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.
APOLOGY
FOR, OR
VINDICATION
OF THE
OpprefTed perfecutedMinifters& Pro-
feffors of tlir Pr«-sb>tcrian keforn-ed Religion*
in the Church of Scotland , emitted in rhe defence of
them, and thecaufefor which they iuffer: & that
for the information of ignorant > the fatisfaftion and
eftablishmentof the doubtful, theconvifton (ifpof-
fiblt)of the malicious, the warning of our Rulers, the
ftrengthenin,g& comforting of thefaid furTerers
under theirprefenr preflurs & trials*
Being their Teftimony to the Covenanted work of Reformation
in this Church , andagainft the pr fert prevailirg corrup-
tions and courfeof defe&ion thertfrom.
P r o v. X X I I t: Verf. 2 3 .
Huy the truth & fell it not ; alfo wifdom> ir/flrufltott, & under/landing.
I. P£T. III. Verf.r5.
But fantlify the Lord God in yot>r hearts ; #. he ready alronyes to give
an anfroer to every man , that asketh you . a reafan of the
hope , that is in you , with meekpes &fear, •
] U D. VeiL* %•
// was needful for me, to write unto you, & to exhort you, that ye should
earnestly contend for the faith , which was once delivered
unt» the faints.
Preftat fero , qu^m nunquarn fapere-
Printed in the Year 1677.
fs^' && f#> & ^ k^fis i ** ^- ^ s^Ss
WWW WW WW www
T0 /^ tfw/7 A,7^/* */*^ Honourable^
... LORDS,
The Lords temporal of hisMajefties Se-
cret Council, hi the Ri .gdora of Scotland.
IMoft nohU and honw able Lords*
CAfting our eyes about us to
fee, under the wings of whole
patrociny & protection , we
should shelter the enfuing
Apology ox. vindication^ we could not, in
our apprehenfions, fix upon any fo fited
for this, as your Lo> who, by the ftation,
& office you bear under his M&j. in
this Kingdom, are conftitute the prote-
dorsof the poor,, theReleeversofthe
opprefled, & the breakers of every un-
juftyoke-.theferious thoughts of which
does aflord us this confidence, that
as our unjuft oppreflions make us ob-
\ jedts, fitted for your Lo. companion and
jufticej fo your Lo. office* and what it
binds unto, in the behalf of the op-
prefifed, before God and men, wilU
* z on
on the ingenuous & plaine produ&ion
of our reafons , for ihe juftice of our
caufc, at length prevail , for breaking
of thefe yokes of oppreffiqn now on
usj and removing of their real caufes.
We therefore cannot ut in charity and
reafonexpedt, that much humanity &
juftice, from your Lo. that was grant-
ed by heathen Rulers , to Minifters
& Chriftians , in the primitive times of
the Chriftian Church; of which we have
in Scripture & Hiftory memorable in-
ftances. Was not TaulAtt 2,0:1 permit-
ed by King^gri/^tofpeakfor himfelf,
who, in vindication of his righteous
caule, deduced the grounds thereof,
and cleared them fo to the convidtion
of his hearers,thattheyjudged him nei-
ther worthy of death , nor cf bonds ?
Did not fome of the Roman Emperours,
upon the reading of the Apologies
of tr,e Chriftians, as oljmttin Martyr ,
dpollinaris, Mileto% Ovigen, Tertullian,
and others , declare their innocency,
and mitigat the rage of perfecution,that
then prevailed againft them ? May not
we
we then , whoprofefle the fame Pro*
reftant Religion with your Lo> enter-
taine ourfelves with the hope of the
fame favour &juftice, that was shew-
ed by Rulers, to the Lords people be-
fore us ?
Asouradverfaries calumnies & bit-
ter reproaches, with which they labour
to render us odious to all, efpecially ,
fo your Lo. are unjuft and malitious5
f being partly their evil and uncharita-
ble deduti ions from our principles and
actions, and partly grofte& notorious
lies 3 fuchasthe heathens charged on
the pnmitiveChriftians, who finding
nojuft mater for their accufations from
their ProfeiTion and behaviour, gave it
out to the world , that they worshiped
the Sun, anafTes head, and ufed pro-
mifcuous copulation at theiraflemblies 5)
So it is the Teftimonyof our confeien-
ces, that as a brazen wal does sheild &
uphold our Spirits from finking, under
thofe burdens, with which they have
aimed to keep us at under with your
Lo. We know, there is no new or flran-
*3 ge
ge thing happened unto us , but what
hath been the common lot of eminent
faints, yeaofChriftJefus, ourblefled
Lord and Matter,- the fervant is not gre-
ater then the Mafter > if they dealt fo
with him, no mervail they deal lb with
us. So great ig the Teftimony & wit-
nefs of our confciences, as to all the
greivous things, they have and do
charge upon us , that we have hitherto
poffclfed our fouls in patience , and not
opened ourjuft and true greivances (as
we might and should have done ) for
fear of offending your Lo. But perceiv-
ing the truth of the Gofpel, the righte-
ouinefsofourcaufe, and the welfairof
immortal fouis.are like to fufFer thorow
our too long (Hence, we have adven-
tured to difclofe our thoughts , and to
give, fo far as we can, a fatisfieing ac-
count of the grounds of that faith and
hope, for which wefuffer. The God
of Gods knowes, II Ifrael shall know,
we ufe this fredom and plainnefs of
fpeech towards your Lo. and all others*
not from any conten tious and ill affect-
ed
^d humour*, but from the fenfe of the
obligations laying on us, forthecon-
fervation of the true intereftof Religi-
on f and the hope of relief for thefe
from your Lo. which we mod humbly
beg and exfpedt , for the fake of truth
and righteoufnefs , that are now fallen
in the ftreets , and fled into Corners if
on an impartial examination of what
we have faid,in the defence of our caufe,
and of ourfelves for its fake, againfl the
reproachs of our enemies, it shall be
found that it is not jufl: , butiniquous,
we ask no benefite from your L>. cle-
mency and juftice; let all feverity be
ufed. Butifthecaufeofourformerand
prefent fufferrngs be righteous ( in the
confidence of which , we have been
bold to give to your Lo. and the Chri-
ftian world this fober enfueing account)
we humbly entreat that protection and
reiiet in its defence, which your power
and ftation in this Kingdpme do enable
and oblige your Lo, to.
Wherefore calling ourfelves at your
Lo, feet. We doe, in the behalfe of
* 4 pure
pure Religion &undefiled &the fouls of U
all concerned therein, befeech your Lo.
Fi'./I That our jail & well grounded ex-
ceptions again ft Prelacy &Era(tianifme ,
may betaken into confideration & laid
to heart: for if they hod goodffwillnot
the future confequences of thefe evils ,
to this land, your lo families, & pofte-
rity* be dreadful, who thereby are laid
pento the judgments , denunced in the
the vVordoiUod, againft perjury and
Covenant breaking? W e doe not lay the
flrefle of our caufe on the Covenants
& Oaths, taken by this nation , againft
the forefaid evils or corruptions, as
the primary and chief Argument (as
will appear to all on theperufalof our
fubfequenr^/^/*^) but on their op-
pofition to the Word of the holy and
trueGod: for, wegrant, ovenants
and Oathes , that are obligatory and
binde to an obfervance , fuppone their
matter to be antecedently juft, and
do bring their primary obligation from
it} hence the things contained in , &
engaged to by Covenants and Oaths,
rauft
mud: be proven and made out to be ne-
celfare & rignteous'irom cue Word of
God, before tneir obligation can be
admitted & received 5 wmcnwehave
laboured to doe , in chis following
difcoude. Andiifronut, out Cove-
nants and Oaths aoe appear to bejutt
are we not allured , that t-ne corrupti-
ons and tins engaged again!! by lucn di-
vine tyes, and rciapied into contrare
to theie engadgmencs , doe provoke
our Holy and righteous God, 10 cne
inflicting of all thole plagues and judg-
ments , threatened in the word againir
the violators otluch lacred bondsr Ancj
if this be a truth; (as we nope none
will deny) what can we tuen exper>
, to our felves & polterity, it relormaC(on
I & repentance doe noc prevent ' bur '
;ine and deflation, according 'to every
ones acceiiion tothefeeviis5 which
no doubt, are crying for vengeance on
this declining Church / N}$f vVe pray
your U. to confider , that we build
our conclusions on no other foundati-
on , then our worthy reformers in this
Church
r
Church and others, laid downe in thei
argumencs and debates againft popery 5
which for its want of , and opposition
to the holy Scriptures > they have con -
deraned for an Antichriftian defedhon
from the doctrines of Chrift. We hold
to the fufficiency and perfedtioaof the
holy Scriptures,refolving , thorow the
Grace of God , to admit of no other
rule of faith and obedience, in the mas-
ters-of our God , but thefe : what they
coiidemne, wemuitr^nunce ; &what-
foeverdo£trin$orpra&ifes,in the houfe
of our God, want their authority and
approbation, we cannot, yeadarnot
admit? The experience of the Church
in preceding ages shews * what mif-
cheifs , the opening of this door,
hath brought in upon her, to the ala-
mort uter ruine of all her concerns.
The prefenc grouth of popery , and
the quick advance it makes amongall
degrees of Profeflbrs ♦ in this and our
nigiibouring Churches, fayes to all , &,
wefuppofe, to your Lo. that the fafe-
ty & prefer vacion of the proteftant re*
formed
r formed Religion, does, inallpruden-
; ce , require , that its real and fincere
1 friends should be encouraged , and
not thus perfecuied v iih violence •
vvhichno doubt, tends fo totne wea-
kening ofthe Proteftani intereft & cau-
fc,that in one ofj^ueen tf/za tih<rpa.iilia-
ments , itvvas judged a u<hcient reafon ,
not only torefiraine the ng.de prcfi-ng
oi conformity,but likewife to encoura-
ge all Non-conformUts, who , in tjiofe
times , were looked upon as (lout an-
tagonifts to popery, and fuch as might
be employed, entrufted and made ufe
of in oppofition to it. Is it not to be
feared, thar the 7 ^having his inftru-
ments and emiffaries amongft us, for
working out of his defignes on thefe
Churches, which, all his former en-
gines have not hitherto effected $ and
finding, through our confufions anddi-
(tempers , the occafion fitted for his
purpofe, hath no queflion , a fecret
a&ive hand, in influencing and increas-
ing of this violence-, which, if the Lord,
in his mercy to this many way$s af*
£;fted
Aided and ruined Church , doe not pre-
vent} will facilitat his longed for , &
much endeavoured defignes againflthe
reformed Keligion in thefe Hands. And.
however we are reprefented to your
Lo. as unfriends to Religion, and the
interefts of Stare fas if they mud ruine
if we (land ) yet the experience of pail
andprefent times , befide our publick
confeffions , doth fufficiently witnef-
fe, Jiow malitious our adverfaries are
in this unjuft calumny > We are no in-
novators, nor pleaders for innovation
in Churchor State; but do hold, adhere
to, andrefolve, through the grace of
God, to maintaine the reformed Prote-
flant Religion, againfl all forts of ene-
mies, as it is contained in the holy
Scriptures, fummed up , and breifly
comprehended in the Confeffions of
faith of the reformed Churchs ; efpeci-
ally in the Confeffion of faith, Larger &
shorter Catachifmes of this Church, in
oppofitionto z\\ Popish, Arminian, So-
ciniani and SeSitrim errors and innova-
tions* We hold for our maine& root*
ed
ed principle, the 'holy Scriptures to
be the Word of God, the abfolute per-
fect and only rule of faith and maners;
not needing any fuppiemenc of Ecckfi-
aftical tradition,- yet we do not deny
Antiquity its duerefpedt, ufe & reve-
rence : and although we maintai ne, that
every Chriftian, of what rank & degree
foever, ought to ftudy, & be conver-
sant in the Scriptures 5 yet we acknow-
ledge the neceffity and great ufe of a
Goipel (landing Miniflry , and re-
ceive the directive authority of the
Church, not with an implicit faith,
but with the judgment of difcretion.
We hold the teaching of the Spirit ne-
ceflare to the faving knowledge of
Chrift-, but abfolutly deny, that the
Spirit bringeth new revelations in ma-
ters of dodtrines , worship & Govern-
ment s but only that he opens the eyes,
,and enlightens the underitending,that
we may perceive and rightly take up,
what is of old revealed in the w7ord by
the fame Spirit. We rejoice in Chrift "
Jefus, having no confidence in the flesh,
or
or in a legal righteoufnes; defireingto
be found in huii, who of God, is made
unco us wifdom , righteoufnes, fan-
dtification and redemption- yet we
conftamlyaffirme, good works of pie-
ty towards God , of equity and charity
towards men, to be neceflfare, both
neceffitateprecepti& medii : our Minifters
prefle on themfeives & hearers , the
necefllty of Regeneration, as the folid
fundation of good works; & the fevere,
ftridt exercife not of a popish out fide
formal , but of a fpiritual , real rtiorti.
fication and felf denial. We extol all
ordinances of divine appointment; but
rejefl: all humane in ventions,efpecially
teligious and ftgnificant not inftitute
ceremonies in the worship of God.
It ought to have no little weight
with your Lo. that by uftngof fuch vio-
lence,themoftfober> judicious, univer-
fally religious and induftrious part of
the fubje&s,and confequently the mod
ufefulandftedfaftto hisMaj. true inte-
" reft and honour , areexpofed to dayly
vexation and trouble, to the great dam-
mage
mage and prejudice of this Nation and
Kingdom We fuppofe that , upon
an impartial view, it will be found, that
the choice and better part of the fub-
je&s is difiatisfied with the Govern-
ment,now introduced into thisChurch,
and consequently obnoxious to the fe-
verityofthe lawes, ena&ed againft
non -conformifts : andof*vhat dange-
rous confequence this may prove to
Church and State, we leave to your La.
moftferious confideration. We know,
the certaine ifiueofall maters,is known
to God only ; but if we shall take our
meafures , in conjecturing at future
events , from the working of prtfent
caufes, there is all rational ground to
fear , that there are difmal and heavy
times coming on this nation5 which>by
taking and fallowing of right wayes, in
the prefent jun&ure of affaires, your to.
may prevent ^ and if not done, will, no
doubt, afford mater of bitter forrow, &
repentance to your Lo or children after-
wards.lt is & shall be our hearty prayer
' to God,that your Lo. may haYe the Spi-
rit
rit ofwifdome , and of theTear of the
Lord > poured out upon you, to fore-
fee the evils, that are haften i ng towards
us; and in time to hide yourielves, this
Church 8c Kingdom from them,
Jsit not apparent to all, that con-
fcience does not aft, nor lead our anta-
gonifts; Donor their opinions about
Prelacy, their Profeffion of all readi-
nefs to comply with the contrare, if
on foot; their frequent changes into the
interefts and formes of all preceeding
times, how contrare foe ver to their
once profefled and fworn principles
( while true Presbyterians remained
conftant and immoveable, thorowthe>
times that went over their heads*) their
covetous and licentious lives , difcover
their want of confeience in thecourfes,
they now lo furioufly run ? Let not
your JL#chink , that it is his Maj. inte-
re(lsf. (as they pretend ) or any true
confeiencious regaird to thefe,that mo-
ves rhem to fuch obfeqiuous compli-
ance with the prefent lawes? Let the
outward interefts of this world be fepa-
rated
rated from their way$ and it shall foon
appear, how void they are of true zeal
for his Maj.and his lawes , as is evident
beyond all denial, from their carriage
& behaviour, in paft & prefent times.
As we have no external benefite to ex-
pert to engage us againft conformity to
the prefenc lawes about Church Go-
vernment,^ fo we are^to look, from
our principles, and pradtifes cenforme
thereto , no lefle then the ru.ine of our
felves & families in this world: if con-
science of duety towards God & this
Church,accordingtothe word, did not
determine and move us, ofallmenwe
were the mod foolish and miferablesbut
feeing our hearts, in the confideration
tof thejufticeofourcaufe, & of the fin -
cerityof our intentions, ill adting con-
forme to it, does not condemne u$;
we have this confidence toward^God,
thar as we are acquit& shall be juftified
before him^fo shall we be recompenced
and rewarded, to the aboundant com-
penfation of all outward lofes^ e£<ln for
thefe things, for which we are condem-
* * ned
ned of men ; fo that that which is efteemedour
ip\\y , hnandiiufery , isand shall be reputed
our righteoufnefs.wifdom and glory.
Albtitwe have not theexternal advantages
of power, riches and wordly policy , but the
contrareto contend with, and endure j yet,
Jeing the Word o* God in our hands , doeth
profper and prevail to the gaining of immortal
fouls, thereftrainingofimpiety, and the pro-
pagating of the favour of the true knowledge of
Chnit Jefus, in all places where it comes,
notwithstanding of the opposition made unto
us in this work j it will , on many accounts,
be your Lo. wifdome, not toftand incontra-
di&ory tearmes thenftOjIeaft your Lq. be found
to tight againlt God in the perfonsofhisfer-
vants and people; for, we are allured, that this
work and caufe is oi God, parrly for its confor-
mity tohis holy word; & partly for its undenia-
ble fruit and fucceffe,in converting & faving of
fouls fro m lin, pre(erving and maintaining of
itsfelf, againft die oppofition it meets with
on all hands j which we take for aligneofits
bei-ig oi God , as the ChriOians did of old in
their debates for the Cbriftian Religion a-
gainltits adversaries, which under great op-
position grew and prevailed exceedingly, al*
though linpt of all the outward advantages
of worldly power and policy, if this caufe be
of God, and approven by him, aswe nothing
doubt,
doubt, it will not be in the power of the might-
elt to crush it. Men may afflict and put us to
great fufti rinj.s ( which tothem will beafi^ne
of perdition , but to us of falvation^j but while
this Church continues Proteftanr, and hath
God abiding in her, their contradiction will
be in vaine, as is hitherto manifelt. And a
thowfandroone , butic relolye in their own
)f ruine here thereafter.
, The mater of difference betwixt us 3nd our
o adverfaries , being in their owne confeffion ( a
;, popular argument they much ufe wichrhepeo-
i. pie) not foundamental, bur indiffennt, w
i humbly beg of your Lo , that toy preventing of
• further conhifions in this Church, & attaining
of the true peace of the fame, y<pu will be
plealed , toconiider, whecherit beberter and
fafer for this Church, that the Chiftian Re-
formed Religion be totally ruined amon^us
forfatistyingofafew; or a thing indifferent, &
tar removed from the vitals of Religion, be
taken away , and notthus enforced by violence
onfoconfiderable apartof thefubje&s , who,
,\\ for conference lake, cannot receive, norfub*
jedt thereto? And knowing that a ferious and
impartial examination of this one cjueftion, if
diligently purfued, would quickly determine
your Lo> to courfes quite oppofite to thefe now
profecuted wi'h fo much heat againft us; we
intreat your la. not to five eare# to thefe ca-
** Z lumpies
lumnies and undue reprelentationsorthepre-
fent cafe of affaires in this Church, made by
our enemies, the Prelates, by which they la-
bour to ioftigat to all this onjull and unfeafo-
nable violence, that will Produce bitter and la-
mentable tffe&s to this & the fucceeding ge«
neration , u not prevented in time.
Moft noble &bonourableLord$,\ve cannot but take
notice of that too common prejudice entertain- |
ed againft Presbyterian Government,&initilled
with fo much artifice by our oppofus in the j
rtrindof many,on which>they have alas too much
advanta^, through the love of fin , & natural en- j
mity at che whotfome feverity and power of the
Chriflian Religion , that is predominant in all
unregenerat perfons; to wit,the ftriftnes & im-
partiality of Presbyterian Government in its
exercife, againft all forts of fcandals, inallde*
grees of ProfefTours, the great as well as the
meane-, for we know, that while Presbytery
was up and in vigour amongft us , the zeal and
faithfulnefs of Minifters, in reprehending all
forts of fins, and exercifmg of difcipline im-
partially,conforme to the commands and ruls of
the word , without exception of perfons , is
that which hath caufedallthisdiflikeof , and
rigour againft Presbytery • and conciliat that
much refped: to , and love for Prelacy , as to
eje6fc the one>& bring in the other. We will not
now enter on the debait^ whether this flri&nes
again it
SH
againft fin be the native produft of Presbyte-
rian Government, when exercifed conforme
toits principles ; or the contrare the genuine
confecjuence of Prelacy, that necelTarly refults
from its conftituent& prefeivifegcaufcs? Which
were no great labour to make out. But leav-
ing this, we humblie entreat your Lo. to have
that patience towards us , as to fuffer us to fay.
I. In cotffoimity to the principle of the Chri-
>d ftian profeffion, itmuft be, in the confeffion
^ of all Chriftians, mater of fad regrait& lamen-
■4 tation, that in places, where the Chriftian Reli*
i- gion is owned, zealous faithfulnefs againft foul
dcftroyingfins,shculd beadmited & received ,
as a prejudice againft Minifters & theirGovern-
ment; which should commend & cry it upj yea
that dees endear it to all confeientious Chri-
flians, that rightly underltand their owne Pro-
fefiion. Muft it not be a terrible length, this
generatiori is gone , in declineing from the po-
werof Religion- when that, which is its excel-
lency & glory in the fight of God & good men,
is become the occafi.on & mater of its diflike&
reproach? Can there bea fuller evidence and
diicovery of the predomming& prevailing po-
wer of naturs enmity, in Profeflburs, over the
life of true godlinefs ; and their being given up
to the lulls & finful inclinations of their owne
hearts, that thus fets them in opposition to the
meanes, appointed for their ddivery from the
** 3 domi-
dominion & power of damning fins; whirher
are we gone , ind what may wc expert will be
the hight of ourdefc&ion , and chejucH;menC
of it , if Profeffours put themlelves id fucha
plaine&r open profefled^ contradiction to their
Chriltian ProfefTior-f 2.Xetnot your Lo. think,
we fay this with ah intention to juftify any
failing, in this mater, conunited by any cf our
perfwafion, that "shall be made appear to be
fuch from the Word of God , & our ProleiTed
principles. And although we cannot condem-
neall the inffarices, that are now disapproved
by our antagonifts^ yet we grant, there were
considerable efcapes, in preaching & exerufeof
difcipline , which were the effects of impru-
dence & paffion in fome , and of wordly incli-
nations & defigries in others of corrupt minds ;
who to raife themfelves in this world, and tor
that efnd , to gaine the favour of perfons of
leading influence & power, keeptnomealure,
but rune to flrarghighrs ot zealagainil fome
fins,while they connived at oAer^but (eing by
their compliances with the cryed-up caufe ot
thefe times, they do now declare to all the
world that they vvere never of us -how unjultly
are their wicked follies imputed toourGovern-
ment and vvay. But for ail the inftances given
in againft us , and the hideous cry raifed after
them 5 yet we muftfay , the gjreateft and molt
common failing among Miniiters , was in the
defect ,
defeft, inthatthemoft vver^notfo diligent,
faithful & impartial, in the application of the
vvordrothe hns of the times, perfonal rebmke«
&cenfures, as they should have been; as (alas)
vvas coo vifiblc & observed by many • for
vvhich now they bear thefr rebuke, inthat
many of thole are now become th ir cruel per-
f cutors , to whom they were fintully fparing
& indulgent. Moreover, let it be granted,
that many of thefe in fiances were in the ex-
cefleunjulHHable; yet if the cpnftitption and
principles of Presbyterian Government were
i not for, but againit them, it ca.rmot.bf charg-
ed with thefe; they mud be the faults of the
perfons, and not of the Government; other-
; wife all Governments mufl.be condemned , as
guilty of all the maUadminiftrations , committ-
ed by G>vernours ; which all acknowledg to
beabfurcP But when any of the contrare mind-
ed shall demonftrat thefe to be the native pro-
duft of our principles for do&rine and G overn-
ment , they shall beconfidered , & according
to the con virion they give of the fame, they
shall be acknowledged. But will your la. be
pleafed , toconfider the fad & deplorable ex-
treme our anragonifts are run into, who medle
not with any fort otfeandab, except a few and
thefe in the meanner & lower degree of per-
fons , over looking all in the more opulent and
great ; which hath encouraged wickednefs to
lift
lift up its head, and to diflfufe its felf thorow all
ranks without control , to the infeding ot this
Church with all kindcs of fcandals • which, no
doubt, will refolve either into thetora! ruine
of the Proteftant Religion, or els in fad defolat-
ing judgments /on this land; and if it come
this length (which we earneftly beg of the
Lord he would prevent, by pouring out of a
Spirit of repentance and reformation on us)
where will be our advantage by PrcUcj , that
is now fo much extolled ? ~w^
Therefore not loving to trouble your L». any farther, we shall
adde but this humble and eameft requeft ; that your Lo.
would be pleafed, tomakefome due and juft reprefentatiou
of the true State and low condition or this Church, unto
his Maj* who (we hopej through your Lo. interceflion ,
v;ill j in his wifdome and clemency finde out fome juft expe-
dient, for relievingbf this Church of her oppreffing evils ,
tinder which she groans; and undoing of thete heavy bur-
dens, that lye on us ; for which we are your I*, humble
petitioners, and had been Co alittle fooner, ifwehadnot
been difcouraged by lawes anent Church maters , that feems
to us , to dole all door of accefle to his Maj, and your Lo*
for repreienting our juftgreivances this way. If we may
not obtains this reafonablc and juft requeft ( as we fuppofe )
there is not another refuge lefr us , but to rcferre our caule
to the righteous tribunal of the juft and almighty God, where
your Lo. and we will ftand on evtn ground , and have judg-
ment pafled without refpeft of perfons. -
An
(Pag. i.)
An Apology for, or vindication of the
opprefled perfccured Minifters, and Profeflbrs of
the Presbyterian Reforirrcd Religion, in the Church
of Scotland, emitted in the defence of them,
and the caufe'Tor which they fuffer.
* J^he Introdu&ion.
T is not unknown ( as we fuppofe\
to the Churches of Chrift,. in the I-
lands of Briiant and Ireland , and
other parts of the Chriftian World ,
what perfections , upon the tntrom
duBion of Prelacy in theYcar 1 6 6 1 \
the partie .called Presbyterian, hath
uffered> efpecially in the Church of Scot land, andyetlyetb
'nder , throw the implacable and violent rage of their ad-
wfaries, the Prelates and their adherents : who having got
h? Civil powers on their fide , have prevailed to the enabling
j 'fitch lawes, that thefe ( who from the con rcience of duty to*
^ards God > and fenfe of the obligations oc their Covenants
nd Oaths, ly ingon them and the feChurches, cannot comm
ly with , nor give obedience unto ) are not only expofed
■) bitter and hird fuffer ings , for a confiderable time j but
)aded with all fort of reproach , and reprefented as rebelli-
us and dijloval to Authority* contrary to their lyiownprin*
pies and aHhgs. It is not the iefigne of this undertaking >
» defemd into the confederation of the marne caufe of our fuf-
ringt) nor yet to lay any Odium on QWrRyUrs 9 to tht
A frc*
(1.)
prejudice of their juft authority ; ( as the righteous judge oj
the world knowes , and we>hope will make manifeji in dui
time ) but to clear fome Necefjary truths and duties ; ana
to vindicat fome ofourpraB'tfes ? from the unjuft afperfiom
of adverfaries • who by lies and unjuft reprefeni at ions of our
principles and carriage > do publikly and privatly defame
and mifreprefent to Authority and others, our behaviourun*
*ler the prefent courfe of affairs l an artifice they have ufed oj
eld ana late , for ingratiating of themf elves , and their inte-^
refts , into the favour of our Rjilers > and fliarpening of the
tdge of per fecution again ft us* in which they have had no (mat
fuccejfe. If it were not for the Jnterefts of truth and I{eli*
gion , which > through the hot contefts and debates of tint
times (actuated by ambition and covetoufnefi , cw the one
\iandy and the love of truth % on the other) are in hazard to
fujfer fhipwracl^ > we incline rather to keep fiknee ; and to
foffefie our fouls in patience under theprefent violence , ufed
again ft us ; (as our too much filence hitherto does fuffici^
entlywitneft) but finding that the intereftsoftheGofpel9[
and the concerns of immortal fouls > are ftrucf^at , and are
like to fujfer no fmall prejudice through our filence > we have
put on a refolutionrfogive to the Chriftian world an account of
the grounds of our praBifes , for which , we are this day ,
Jo much reproached and perfecuted. *Andjeing there is no
acceft in the or din arie road, to give a due arid juft information
cfourcafey to our Superioitres > by fupplications > petitions
and remonjlrances > (allowed by fcripture and natures
light') by reafon of the influence & power of our adverfaries;
we cannot ha e ocpeB that much juft ice from ally as to excufe ,
us 5 for doiw of this > in this way , which the vindication \
oj truth and of ourfehs for its fake, ?ntbeprefentjun8ure,{
make everyway fo neceffary : for finding , in theprefent j
fiate of things f tbattve cannot > without betraying of the
Gofpel 1
GofpeU and of our immortal fouls , (for which as Mini*
fters and Chrijiians we are called to contend , on allhigheji
fames ) k?ep any longer /tlence ; but t hat we mufl give war*
ningtoall, of the imminent dangers , that threaten BjlU
gion , in its purity and power j we lool^ upon it , as our
indifptnfible duty ; by clearing truths and praBifes , (fa
much now condemned ) to endeavour the prevention , and
recovery of all from the fnares , they are in danger ofy and
engaged into : wherefore, in all Chrijiianfobriety and humu
lity , we crave leave , to open our hearts and mindes to all >
as they are concerned in our cafe. I . Anent the cruel and
iniquous procedour ufed aga'mftus. 2. Our praBife of
preaching and hearing of theGofpel of Chrijl j by Mini*
fters and people > yet adhering to the covenanted work.ofI{c*
formation 3 in oppofuion to Prelacy and Erafhanifme*
3. Our not approving nor allowing of the late indulgence »
r.althougb,as to the preaching part ofit> it hath hem byfome 0/
f us> info farpraBifed. 4. and laftly* anent the Supremacy
■ 1 Ecclefajlical > as it is now ejlabliflied in bis Majefties per*
font andfenfedbylaw*
Sect. I.
0/ the aB of Glafgo w , with raifons why JuimiBlon
could not be given to Prelacy.
IT7E loyenottoinfiftonthe^rj?, and if it were not
> [j W connected with fome other things , that more
M:oncearne thecaufe, and touch upon it, then any out-
ward intereft or ours- we would incline rather to bury
f»|t> in perpetual oblivion, then thus to raike the ashes
tf bfpaft andprefent aftions; the mentioning of which
l:annotbutreflcftonfome, whofe reputation is dearer
A a to
(f)
to us j then they will readily adroit themfelves to be-
leeve : But we muft not decline , what in the prefent
cafe is neceffarie forvindicating of our righteous caufe, \
ftruck at and wounded through our fides. We shall j
orriy-tottdi' a few inftances of many, that might be
produced, and are yec fresh m the memories of this
generation ; and we fear (if Hiftorians prove impar-
tial) will fpeaktothe difgraceof thefe times > in the
fucceeding ages. As firft, That almoft unparalleled
Aft of the Councel at Glasgow O&ok 1662. whereby
at one ftroke 8 a number of Minifters above 3 00, with-
out all legal precedour, were violently caft out of
their iivelyhoods, and inhibited theexercife of their
2S4iniftery.j and thereby a great number ofCongrega.
tions laid defolate. And for any thing known to the
Councel at their making and publishing of this Aft ,
alhheMiniftersof the Church 0? Scotland (averyfrw
excepted) might have been thruft out and eje&ed there-
by , and fo the whole Church laid wafte > and difpof.
felted of the Gofpel and 'it's ordinances • in which
condition, shee might have continued long enough?
to fuch a hrght of prejudice and lofs , which the
much «* cryed - up good of PreUcy could never have
compenfat , in this or the following age. Was it not e-
videnc (from the aftonishment, that the disappoint-
ment of the defigne of this A<S had on our Rulers , in
thofe that did not obey the law in fubje&ing to Prelacy,
on k'$ eraiflion) that it was paffed without mature de-
liberation, and was influenced by the impatient Zeal
& violent ihftigation of the Prelats, to the precipitation
ofaliCounfels- which face hath been lamented, ¬
alittle regrated by many of that party, who have never,
sO this day, fallen on right methods & wayes of curemg
the
thediftempers &confufions, caufed by th:< nft to th?
Church ofGod arr.ongit us . We i em c n> ber of none i ike
to this,buc that of the Interim oiGermany in the time 05
-Charl.thc V.A precedrnt^vcr think,rhat should not have
been imicated.by any Chri&lian proteltantScate,con(ider-
ing it's wicked defigne,& badluccefsco if s contrivers*
At chepallingof this Aft of Councel , it was nor
(unknown to all , thutheMiniltersejcftedbyit, were,
for the generality ofchem > young men , educated and
indoftrinac in the Presbyterian principles; neirher could
it, in rational judgment , be fuppofed , that in fuch a
fudden and unexpected revolution of affairs , in
Church andftate, perfons of anyconfciencc , could
fo fuddenly be moved to change thePrinciples they had
received , and folong been in the praftice of? withouc
the leaft offer of any convincing reafon to the contrary,
j In.this cafe, tainflift fo heavy a punishment on rVlini-
ttersand Congregations, without any endeavours pre-
viouflyufed> for their information, looks to be a
ftreach, beyond the bounds of chanty and juftice^
whichj according to all laws, Divine, ecclefialtickand
civil? allows time and patience, in dealing with per-
fons, erring in the matters of God > for bringing them
to the conviftion of their errours 5 before the pal ling &
infliftingof a fentence; a piece of juflice obfervedin
the daikcft times of Popery > and hottefi; perfections
on the Church of God, as is evident from the records
ofthefe times, z. Befides , in all executions of laws
on perfons found transgrefiiag the fame , there ufeth to
preceedthe fentence, and infliftion of "the penalty , a
judicial trial and conviftion of the transgreflion $ the
natural right and priviledgeof all fubjefts , obferved in
all well governed States in the World , whether Chri-
A 3 ftjaa
ftian or heathenish : For , in the adminiftration of ju-
ftice to the fubjects, there ought to be an application
ofthelawtoperfons , (uppoied guilty of it's violation,
by a judicial fentence , not only adjudging them to the
penalty, but declaiming the guilt, as the; meritorious
csufeof fuch punishments } which cannot be doner
without a judicial trial and conviction, by ccnreilion
or witnefles : But in our cafe no fuch thing was obferv -
ed > no not fo much as an hearing allowed us.
Moreover, in this ad, the Miniftcrs of theGof-
pelwere, under higheft paines , difcharged and for-
bidden the exercife of their Mimftery, which they had
received from the Lord , and not from the State ; and
this antecedent to any Church fencence > or ecclefiafti-
calconviftion of guilt, deferving fo heavy a punish-
ment: an encroachment on Church power, with-
out a precedent in this Church, and in all others,
except that of the Interim of Germany* condemned, on
that very head^oth by Popish and Protcitant writters,
as a reatch beyond i he Limits, fet to the Magiftrats po-
wer, in the word of God, Is there not here a Punish-
ment, formally ecclefiaftick, infixed by the Magi-
ftrac, without owning of the Church, to whom the
infliction of fuch punishments does properly belong ;
and by whom they were ? time out ot rmnde, exer-
cifed i But tjrs with other ACts of the like na-
ture , which followed , was fuitable to the bafis
and foundation , on which the new fuperltruCture of
Church government was founded and built , the
Supremacy. How vifible is it from this aft, the
way ufed for bringing in of prelacy , the frame of the
Afts of Parliament, anent it and the Supremacy ,
and the procedour in executing of the famej that
the
(7-)
Mhedcfigne was not only tofubjeft the Church whol^
jr< ly ro rhe State , but co rob her ofail power ; which chc
'^ prelates perceiving . laboured co help i in their after
Reacting of Minifters not comprehended in this Aft;
^ifomc of them complaining, thic Minifters should be
£<exautora:ed by the M^giftiat, without any Churchfen*
MAtence preceding : but more of this afterwards.
h But fuppofing , this to be within ihe compafle of
the Magilirats power -7 yet howunproportionat was
'•-the penalty to the alkaged crime? if there had been
'• htrefy in doftrine3 or fcandals in life & converfaubn.a
I i juftiricat/on might have been made of this fentence ;buc
i for fimp'e non-conformity to prelacy, that had been by
•Church & State exploded from amongit us, as an
•high corruption in the government of the Church; and
• lies reentry barred with the folemcieft Covenants and
!< oaths, that ever any Church or Nation came under:
i<wefayf for fuchacrime in fuchacafe, to take from
.Minifters, as men, their lively hoods; and as Mini-
•fters , their Mimftery (dearer to them then their lives)
•is a punishment , when weighted in the ballancesof
equ i tie and jufhee, much beyond (wearefure)thede*
;merit of the caufe ; efpecially confidering , that the
(Perfones impofeing conformity, and punishing others
-fo feverely for refufing it, were the fame Ci'or the
•moil part ; chat hid made and enafted lawes , fevere
Enough aguinftit. What? is prelacy a jewel of fb
jnuch worth, that the Church of Cod cannot be well
(without it? have we not found the contrare, from the
experience of paft andprefent times? Although we
jihould be judged uncharitable in this , yet we mull fay
;t, that they , vc ho fee not this, do either shut their
/Syes throw carnal intercft , or wilfali prejudice ,
| againft
againft all evidence , that not only Scripture but the ef-
fects of Prelacy in this Church, affords to all men jQr els
fight againlt their light. If we take our meafuies, by
the true incerefts of the Church, or thefe things, where-
in her true welfare does conllft , we shall undoubt-
edly and undeniably fee, that prelacy is not of that
worth and ufc, to the Church of God ♦ as to infl:& fuch
grievous punishments on Non -compilers with it :
fure we are, foundnefs of doctrine, purity of wor-
ship and holinefs of life have flourished in this Church ,
without it •, and fince its erection, thefe have come
under a fad decay.
Obj. But many place the demerite of thefe fevere pu-
nishments, in the difobedience to the la wes eftablishmg
prelacy ', the now great cry of thefe engadged in the
prefentcourfe, for juftifying of all enormities , com-
mitted in the adminiftrations of government?
An\. To this we fay, firft , that all Divines and
Lawyers aflerr , ifnon- obedience be feperated from
contempt of authority,(as in many cafes it maybe) that
the demerit of difobedience , is norrigouroufly to be
purfued with punishments , efpecially of fo high a na-
ture , as thefe inflifted on us, for meer non-conformity ;
and the reafon they give , is becaute , there are and
may be fuch things in non - obedience , as will, to
righteous judges, not only alleviat the guile thereof,
butdifchargeit from difobedience, let be contempt
of authority j as invincible ignorance, inability,
fits of palfion , the tendencie of the thing com raanded,
infomecafes, to the everting of the end of the law.
which in fuch cafes, is prefumednottobeche will of
the law-makers) the |difpofition & profeffion of perfons
so obedieinnce raanifefted, in all others things &c. if
our
i (9->
> our known and profefled pnnci pies, extant in our pub-
lid confdfipns and treatifes on this head , with our
\ anions m all other maiters relating to authority, be
• admitted and beleved , we will have as much io fay,
for freeing of our non-obediencc to lawes , in this mat-
ter, from contempt of authority , as any. Give us
rlthsjuft liberty of our Religion , in preferring of God t
! ourabfolure and Supream Soveraigne, to all others;
• and in yeeldmgtohira that obedience, he requires of
us in his word, and none shall be found more obedi-
: enc to Authority , in all things that do not intrinch on
this. We do folemnly profeffe , and in the fight of the
• alfeeing God> who fearches the hearts and reins,
; that this , and this only , is thecaufe, why we cannot
' give obedience , to the lawes eftablishing prelacy j
•for upon all the fearch i we have made, we cannoc
find a warrant for it in the word of God , that perteft
I rule of Religion and Righteoufoefs; but find it contrare
unto &againft the precepts and inftitutions of Chnft le*
'fus, anentthe government of his houfe. This being
our perfwafion , we are not able to evite the force of
thefe obligations of our Covenants and Oaths, made to
; God and one another, againftit; to the ftrick obfer-
vation of which, we are by commands and threatnings
contained in the word, moftindifpenGbly bound, and
from which tyes', no humane power can loofe us. Is
lit npta fad matter in this cafe y that we meet with no
otherthing from any, for fatisfying our conferences,
andbiinging us the length of cheerful obedience in tbis
thing , but the cry law , law j which, in the matters
of God , can be no fure bottoms to our confeiences ;
(feingweasChriftians are under a law ; antecedent and
Superior to that of mens.
A 5 Sccondlj
(io.)
Secondly. Where the gudcof difobedience is truly
fcr.tui , yetthefentencepaffedagainftit, ought chcefly
to refyett the matter of the difobedience , and accor-
ding to the quality and circuiaftances of it, the punish-
ment should be proportionated : there are no divines
orlawyerc ( hat we know of ) but hold this; and it is,
beyond difput, evident from the judical lawes of the
lews, enacted and eihblished by God himfelf » for
ihe administration of juftice % in that Common -
wealth ; for the guilt of difobedience being alike , in
all deeds contrare to law, difobedience in fmaller mat-
ters fould have as heavy punishments inflt&dd on the
contraveeners, as in greater; which ail acknowledge
to be a ftrange folecifme in government, contrare to
all natural equity and juftice , the bafis and ends of go-
vernment* i
Thirdly. And that our noa -obedience to la wes erec-
ting and eiiablishng prelacy, is fo high a crime in ufelf,
astodeferve fuch punishments , as have been ftatuteand
execute upon us 5 we do not yet fee; efpecially while
we confider. (i.j The little evidence (ashaih been
faid) for it in the word of God ; Some of that parry
have racked their wicts , for finding out its divine right
and mfti'tution , as lofepb Hall , and fome others; but
with fo little fucceffe, as hath forced many of them, to
quite that plea, and take them to arguments of another
nature, ii.) The confeifions of for e, who plead for the
usfulnefs of prelacy, to the wdl , but not to the being
of the political lMiuifterial -Church; which they grant
roaybeiiich without it, as nioftofthe former opinion
y eeld. ( 3 ) Others that lean not to Scripture for the
right of prelac y in the Church? found it upon Ecclefia-
fiickconftitucionsjcanons &cuftomes;whichthey take
to
O?0
to be the interpreters of Scripture in this debate, as
Dounbame SLtid others with h.rn , that make molt ufe of
anciquity. (+ ) Others more moclerat , pious a.id more
learned, then the reft, do fo dip its wings , that they
bringittoameerconliant prefidencyt in the meetings
of presbyters, for government; making it a pure non-
entity , as to what is eiiabhshjd by Jaw a i Qngf| us ;
i and for which they bring no Scripture; of which judg-
ment was that goalyand learned Bishop Ufber> who*
for knowledge in all the controversies of the Church,
;efpecially in Antiquity, was Nemha fecundus. (>.)
Some others argue foric , as a matter or ludifferehcy ,
that may be rec ei ved or rejefted, as Churches and ftates
fee it tits their interefts ; afifertjpg , that all it's authori.
ty and goodnefs depends upon and flowes from the po-
wer, that brings it in, thus Stillfngfleet. (6«) Some of
that party hav fallen on a new method > for justifying
its divine right (aeingftraitened, asitfeems, with our
arguments , and the weaknefs of their owne) alleadg*
ing tbat Presbyters were not inftitute in ^cripcur *
times , by the Apoftles;& that all Mmifters, mention-
cdin the Scriptures, were Bishops, in the fenfe con-
troverted, as Dodox Hammond', but his evidence from
Scripture and antiquity,is fo dimme,that ( ror any thing
we know) he hath gamed few, or none, to follow him
in this. (7 ) Thefeof the court party, place all its
! goodnefs in the authority &Iawes establishing it: grant-
ing it fignifies nothing antecedently to thefe (80 1 f we
shall conlider prelacy, and view it in its feveral parts, as
it is by law conftitute and fetled amongft us, and bring
them to the teft and rule of the word of God, that we
may give judgment of them, according to it; how little
of prelacy will be found to be of divine right > even in
the
the confcffionof ouradverfanes: of all chat have ap-
peared on the feild for its defence > there is none , that
ever pleaded fcriptural inftitutions, precepts and mftan-
ces > for the Lordly cities, eminencies, and vvordly
dignities of the Prelacs , that are now annexed to their
office $ nor yet for their civil places and power in the 1
State •, nor for their feveral orders > and degrees , as I
Vrimats , Metropolitans . ^Archbishops , (s'c : Or for I
the like among their dependents , in their numerous
and various diftin&ions of degrees of fuperioruies > and
fubordinations ; as Vicars* Chancelors > Deans, Arch \
deacons, Subdeans, Deacons, Parsons &c. whoever hita- i
therto didput pen to paper3and contendedfor the divine
right of prelacy , never opened a mouth to plead either
Scripture or antiquity for thef (except Do&ovHammond
who argues for ArMiJhops : and what is prelacy , in
itsconftitutionamongftus> without them \ Tneonly
thing debated bet wixt us and our Antagonists anent it ,
is the fuperiority of one Pallor over other Paiiors> and
their refpe&ive congregations , to the probation of
which , from fcriptnre and pure Antiquity , there are
two things, thatmuftof necefficy be made out from
thefe 2 firft the fole power of Ordination and Jurifdi&i-
on , and fecondly Diocefan Churches made up or feve-
ral leflerChurches and their refpeitive Paftores and Of-
ficers : in thefe does the effencial difference lye (in
their owne confeffion) betwixtBishops &Presbyrers or
ordinare Paftoresjoone of which two hath been proven
from fcripturc and antiquity- And if chat, which diffe-
rences prelats from other Paftores of the Church > be
not made to appear from fcripture, how will their office
be of divine right ? and how can it beexpe&ed from
us 9 who are under fuch ftraic, divine eugadgroents
againft
agiinftit , that we should comply therewith ; and
■ .fubmittothelawes, incoming conformity thereto. We
it complaine of the fubdolous and uningenuous way of our
ii , oppofites, in this debate> who always keep in generals,
fi and never condefcend on the particular differences be-
ir cwixt Prelates andOrdinarePaftores ; nor undertake
e to prove thefe: and the truth is they cannot : for they
$ are forced ro con feife, that it is clear from antiquity,
r -that Presbyters have ordained , fometimes in conjun-
s ftion with Bishops , and fometimes without them ;
i ;And for diocefan Churches withonefixed paflorover.
i feeing other Paftores and their flocks > we cannot meet
. with the leaft probable evidence, from fcripture and
: pure antiquity : we find no argument from our adver-
; faries concluding this. It is empty arguing to fay;
( there were Apoftles, there werePriefts and Highpnefts
i iin theOId Teltamentj there were feven Angels in the
r feven Churches of Ajia\ therefore there muftbeBis-
, hops now : if they will from fcripture make out the
I ! difference now affigned bet wixtPrelats & Presbvtersjin
thefe inftances of the Apoftles, Priefts and Angels, we
shall yeeld the caufe. Let none therefore blame us, ii>
holding ro this as a neceffare confequenceofour Anta-
Igonifts fuccumbing in the probation of thefe things 5
that a parity amodg the Minifters of the Gofpel > in
point of power or office , is of divine right ; for if
in the inftitution of the Miniftery , there be alike po-
!wer given to all called thereto, therecanbenofuperio*
Jrityofone above another by divine right. ( $. ) It is
i quettion much debated among the Popish ichool-
!men> and in which they are not agreed to this day; whe-
ther Prelacy bean order or office diftin&from that of
presbyters* or only a different degree of the fame office
with
(I4° L
In/VMM. nAft^LfAVM-.^Itr^if^n^ I
with Presbyters , including no power formally diflinft
irorn theirs: which hit opinion afferts, thacall power,
acclaimed by the prelaws , is formally in Presbyters ; fo
that by office they are empowered to , and may doe all
that the prelats pretend to. How hotly and ft i fly was
this queifen coiled in the Councelof Tmtt,betwrxt the
Italian, Galilean and Spanish divnes ? which for this
caufe received no dccifion in this CoiiRcel , but was left 1
undetermined as before ; As is to be ieen from the Hi*
ftory of thefaid Couricel. ( to. ) If any will confider
our adverfaries arguments for prelacy , atid compare
them with the arguments of Papifts, efpecially BeU
larmins for the Papacy , they shall finde , that
they plead as (tiongly for the Pope or an Univerfal
Bishop to the Catholick Church, as for the Prelac
or Bishop, now controverted betwixt us? as wilbe
made appear by a particular condefcenfion , ifour
intended brevity would fuffer it9 We referrefuchas
queftjonthis to the arguments of both; and upon an
impartial collation of the fame t we nothing doubt, but
it willbernanifeft. Doth not the much courted and
endeavoured reconciliation with B^me by the preiatical
party > in former and later times ,, with their conceflions
to them , for making way to this agreement, fpeak,this
with full evidence? As their denying the Pope to be
the Antichnft ; their granting a privacy to him over the
Catholick Church; their purgeing the Romane Church
of Idolatry and fuperftition ; their aflerting the diffe-
rence betwixt Papifts and us * in dodtrine » worship
and government, not to be fundamental, noronthetr
part damnable , &c All which difcover to the world
the native tendency of prelacy, and what it will (if
it continue ) ultim'atly rcfelve into. ( 1 i ) Do ooi
the
; the opinions of prelatifts > their pra&ifes, the ways
,r taken for bringing in and cftablislvng of Prelacy among
us, refieft upon and condemne all the reformed Char-*
chesand their divines, ( except Scuhaus ) who,in their
?confefl;ons, treatifes & leformations enforme there-
: tOjdifclame prelacy, as no office of di vine appointment i
As willbeevidenc to any that perufe them. We know
•there was aPampblet emitted in the beginning of prela-
,cyes laft introduction, that undertakes to prove the con-
trare$but it is fo deftitute of all evidence of cruth,thacwe
f wonder exceedingly at the impudence &affrontedne&
.of the author, in aileadgmg of Cthine, Be%t> Bucer <$c.
for prelacy; who in their pradtife and writings have
argued and debated agamft it. Did not this Author
know, that thdr writings are extant, and others as I
muchverfed therein as himfelf f But the unjuft know
»no shame. (i2.) As prelacy or prclatical government,
initsconftitutionand exerciie, is a compound of addi-
tions to the Word of God y which for want of its au-
thority we rejeft; fo presbytery or presbyterian govern-
ment, in the confeffion of our Oppofites , is,' m-allics
parts, of divine inftitucion or right ; which we offer to
make out from fcripture and the conceflions of cur An-
Itagonifte . who faft yeeld all our Church Oncers
;; except Ruling elders ) to be of divine appointor enc,
i( Doflor Hammond only excepted ; granting , that
presbyters or ordinare Paftores and Deacons , to be
Inftitute by the Apofties , and alwayes afed in the
Church to this day ? theylikewife grant the power of
)rdination and jurisdiction in Presbyters, til! of Jate$
^salfo the meetings of Pafiores lefleraod greater for
government and difciphne , and all the particularities
)f power anent thefe* aflcrted by and formerlyexercifed
(i6.)
among us: We think Rrange of Stilling fleet >\n denying
of Presbytery to beef Divine irftituuon* whoyeelds
all wefeek; for if all the former be of Scriptural infti-
tucion and praftife, rcuft it not be of divine right,
even as to its forme? We cannot forbear to declareour
refentments to the world > of the high indignities done |
toourRoy2! 3nd great M after , CkriJIJefus, and his
blefled word, the holy Scripture ; in that. j. The
forme of the government of his houfe is aflerted to be
mutable ? at the pleafureof men, and made capable of
any forme they pleafe to ailigne to the fame. Was it
ever heard in the world? that the forme of any govern-
ment was taken from the Officers thereof/ and not
from the Supream head , in whom the Legislative po-
wer'is lodged? All th3t ever treated of governments,
and fpoke to their different forms , did always found
their forms on the head , and not on the Officers of it i
Is not Cbrift Jefus the Supream and only Head of the
Church* by divine appointment? Are not ordinare
Paftores or Presbyters found inftitute in the word ,
with all the parrs of their power, that we afterwards
grant to them? &c Will it not then neceflarily fol-
low, that the forme is of divine right, both in the head
and officers; which is truely Monarchical^ and not
alterable at the will of any i z* For making way to
this > the (ufficiency and perfection of the holy Scrip-
tursi as to matters of obedience and practice in the
Church, is denied, and thereby the fundation of the
Proteftant Religion is shaken* How inconfiftentis
this with their granting the perfection of the Scrip-
turs > in maters of faith ? For if all maters of obe-
dience be firft and primarily Maters of faith ,
muft not they be perfeft in thefe alfo i How our
Oppofits
Gppofits will defend our arguments for the perfe-
ction of the Scripturs , in matters of faith and manners*
againftthePapifls (who in this fpcak more confequen-
tially then the Prelatifts)3nd maintaine the former affer-
tion i is unintelligible to us. For our arguments plead
js much and as ftrongly for their perfc&ion, in the one,
as in the other. Butmuftitnotbeadefperat Caufethat
needs fuch a prop to fupport it? ( r 3 .) In the laft place ,
We humbly offer the following particulars to be cohG.
deredbyallf nothing doubting that , when they are
duely and ferioufly weighted , it will foone appear that
our exceptions againft Prelacy , are not light and
groundless. As 1. There is no good to the Church
and immortal fouls attainable by Prelacy , that may not
be win at without it. It is a fure truth, that every
ordinance of Divine inflitution hath it's proper good
to the Church , in order to which , as it's end, it was
appointed by Chrift , which is not eafily reachable by
other ordinances : As will appear to any on a particular
condefcenfion : for as there is nothing defe&ive in di-
vine inftitutions ; fo there is nothing redundant and fu-
perfluous. Now wedefiretoknow, what is that good
to the Church and immortal fouls, that cannot be ob-
tained without Prelacy? let our Antagonifls give in-
fiances. If they think that ordinatipnand jurisdiction
is the good that the Church hath by prelacy; we offer to
prove from Scripture and antiquity ( as hath been done
! before us without a reply , yea and granted by many of
jtbern) that Presbyters have the power of ordination
(and jurisdi&ion \ and the truth is, it was never que-
i ftioned by any , but yeelded by all, till of late ; for we
jhavenotonly inftances in Scripture and antiquity, for
1 ' Presbyters exercifing ordination and jurisdiction; but.
B the
OS.)
thereafon, that all gave for it , was, that the minifte-
ry conferred by ordination , conGftingof the power of
order and jurisdi&ion , as it's integral conltituent parts,
perf bns Qrdained receive the power of both : If this be
atruth, why may not the Church havethefeby Pres-
byters , as much to her advantage and benefite, as by
prelats? But fon e fay? there can be no unity or
peace in the Church without Prelacy. The contrare
is evident from the Criurches experience? informer &
later times; for as the Church was never more rent,
and filled with contentions andfehifms, then under &
by Prelates, of which there are innumerable inftancesinj
hiftory;fo there hath been much flourishing , unity and
pea ce> under Presbyters, in Churches that wanted Pre-
laws ; as is to be feen in the prefent cafe of the reformed
Churches , and will be evident to any that is acquainted
with and feen in the records of theChurch : what unity
& peace hub theChurchesofjBw<w and Ireland beyond
other reformed Churches ? Yea is there not more of,
thefe among them , then is with us> at this day * But
what fayes unity and peace in the Church , if they have;
not truth and righteoufnefs for their cement and foun-
dation, which are feldome the attendents of Prelacy?
But fome place the good of Prelacy > in theoverfight
andinfptftion , it takes of Ministers and their refpe-
ftiveflockes Cof which they ufe to boaft much;) But
reafon and experience do fully convince, and icave US|
beyond all Doubt, that this good > is as ealily andi
better wme at > by Presbyters > in their alTociated and,
presbyterated meetings, leffer and greater, then by
prelats .• u hat can prelat s do in this, that may not, and j
hath not been done by Presbyters, ro the great benefite i
of the Church ? as is manifeit from the. experience of,
this
; this Church in preceeding times? andnovvnotalittle
01 confirmed by the contrarc t Moreover m the aft of re-
"' ftitution Pari. i. S. 2. Aft i. it is given for one Rea.
b5ifon, induccing to the bringing in and eftablishingof
^"prelacy among us , that it is molt fuitable to Monar-
n xhy. What good this does or can bring to the Church ,
0 we cannot divine : we wish it had been inftancedin
!re-the forefaid aft: we know , the government of the
* Church, considered in its due latitude aud extent, accor-
:t ding to the presbyterian principles, is truely and proper-
ty Monarchical ; for is not Chrift Jefus thejupream
rand immediat head of the Church * and do noc her
^officers aft in her government in an immediat depen-
c"dance upon and fubordination to Him, as her King?
;d:So that if the Churches government being Monar-
chical be the good intended and meant > in this ex.
WpreHion % it is as much attainable without prelacy >
^jas by it j but we fuppofe, that this is not the good
^ jnderftood. Next, if by futeablenrffe to Monarchy ,
utbe meant , that kinde of Authority and Domini-
rtpri in Church- officersj in and over the Church , that is
n> .'xercifedby kings and Monarchs, and hath been affii-
/• jmed by prelats, fince ever they appeared in the Church:
1C his is exprefly difcharged and forbidden to Church
■-officers in her government. Matth. ±oyz<;.Lu}{>22,25 ,
-( How much Emperours, Princes Kings and States have
Hm arced by this dominion, is known inhiftoryj Some
Hay, it is the fupcriority and fubordination of Church
d officers and judicatories, that is underflood in this
y i&s This may be had, and hath been attained in the
d Church, under presbyterian government , both as
:Ctfo officers and judicatories; the Paftouris fuperiorboth
>f W Elders and Deacons Sec. theclafficall presbytery is
'I B z above
(ao.)
above the congregational cldciship 5&the provincial fy«
nod above the presbytery &c* Obj. there is not the Lpe
rionty of one above the reft; %Anf. but what good doth
this either to Church or State? we know it hath brought
much evil to both, but never any good, that might not
have been wine at, yea and was not actually attained,
without it; they that judge otherwife, are bound to
give inftances , which we earneflly beg they will doe:
we know this brought forth the Pope>an<Ldid midwife
jinticbrift into theChriftian world. But the thing,
tve fuppofe , that is truly intended , is the bringing of
the Church into a (lavish dependence upon, and fubjec-
tiontotheMagiftrat; for which, weconfeffe* pre-
lacy is every way fitted; how excellently did it ferve
the ?ofe , in eftablishing of his Dominion , and in
bringing and keeping of all in fubjeftion to him ? and
albeit Gnce the reformation, the prelats changed their
head, in taking on the Magiftrat in the roome of the
Pope* yet they retainerheir ule, which exceedingly en-
dears them to worldly Princes , that affeft domination
in the houfe of God. butfis shall be proven afterwards)
this is contrare to the fredomeof Chrifts kingdome, his
abfolute fupremacy and dominion over the fame; and
is ineonfiftent withChriftain princes their profefled fub-
jeftion thereto; fo that this is vo good i butandevill
deltruftive of the true concerns of the'Church.2. It
is no froall difcovery to us of the evil and corruption of
prelacy, thatitismuchapproven , allowed and cryed
up by all perfones of profane , diffolute and debau-
ched lives (except where it crofiTes their wordly ioter-
efts)and the reafonof this is obvious r o all,for as corrupt
and wicked nature does diftike all that is from God,
as oppofite to its wicked inclinations and wayes ; fo it
loves
(21.)
' loves j and is in much liKing with all that is friendly
to , and does encourage it inthefe. Is it not viable,
that the encouragernenc, which flagitious and wicked
perfones find for their impieties, underthe wings of
prelacy, is the true reafon and caufe, for which it is fo
liked and cryed upbyfuch? In this it is contrareto
I Presbytery in its due and faithfull exercife, which hath
been, and yet to this day, is hated for its impartialities
; ftricknefsandfeveritie againft all forts of fcandal, in alL
j ranks of perfons high and low : for this we appeal to
thegeneral fenfe and obfervation of all inthefe landes:
can we think that courfe to be of God , which for this
'reafon is approven by thegeneraliryof the wicked? $.
;BeGdes this, does not the prelates oppoficion to the
. godly (whom in rationall charity all are bound to judge
fuchj m reproaching, oppre(Eng& perfecutingof them,
to a ftrange highc of fevetity , who in profeffion differ
(On!y from them in a point , that depends on the meer
'will and pleafure of the Magiftrat. we fay, does
not this declare, godlinesto be their quarrel, andic
to be inconfiftent with , and contrare to their interefts,
which, wearefure, cannot be the effeft of thefe means
and wayes inftitute by God in his word , whofe end
and tendency is to promove godlines , aud not to perfe-
• cute and deftroyit ; as is now done. And whoever
j confider the conltitution of prelacy, the rules for its ex-
^rcife (to wit, the doftrines and opinions of prelats
aboutrChurch- power and government) andthe highc
of Dominion , they lay clame to over the Chjuch )
. will fee , that of its felf, it muft be an enemy to t rue god*
lines, while it crys up its forme, andlayes it felf out
for advanceing of it, in oppoficion to its power. 4. It is
received for a fure truth , among all protectants , that
B 3 as
(II.)
as the renewed nature oi'th- Godly does hate, and is
an enemy, to all that is contrare to , and deltru&ive
of true godlinefs ; fo it is the evidence and Ggne of
theevilandfinfulnefsofacaufe, whenicis disliked &
©ppofed by the generality of the truly fober, judicious
and humble Godly. If we shall apply this to prelacy,
as it is established and exercifed amongft us at this
day, have w^notcaufetofufpeftits corruption, and
to judge its defcent not to be of God? feing it is uni-
verfally difliked and hated by the truely GodIy5 which
eminently appears in perfons converted from wicked-
nefsand fin, in which they lived before conversion ;
what ever Jikeing they had to prelacy , or hatred to
presbytery, immediatlyupontheirconverfion , they
drink in an averfation from and hatred of prelacy,
and love to the contrare ? We know, this was objected
by W<rp«H^wteagainftpresbyterians, when the con-
troverfy about Church government was hot betwixt
them J But. i# This objeftion was without any true
caufe, as Independents were forced, afterwards, and
atthisday, toconfefle ; they finding upon trial, that
the Godly of the Presbyterian perfwafion, were ex-
ceedingly more numerous, then the other, 2. The
difference betwixt them is very fmall ( which may be
incident to perfones truly Godly , and confident with
their grouth and exercife of godlingfs )} and if there
were a healing condefcending temper, might be heal-
ed and removed ; their difference lying mainly , in
the authoritative fubordination of Church judicato-
riesai d con ftitution of Churches, as to the qualities
and engadgments of their conftituent members; which
when their one nefs in all other things about govern-
ment, and their concellions to one another, in the
little
? lirtlethey differ about? isconfidered, might be quick-
j ly accomodated and taken up. But it is other wayes
i wich prelacy, in itsconftitution and exercife with us ;
: which, inits effects t attendants > and the ba^s it is
I fetled upon, is found to be fuch a corruption in the
, government of the Church, and inlett to others in
; Doftnne and Worship, that it becomes trucly hateful
| to all the Godly i that give themfelvesupto the con-
I duftand light ofthe Scripture j and make them their
rule in the cxercifes of religion and godlinefs/ farbeic
from us to think or fay , that chere is none of the pr e-
laticalgang, truelygodly or pious. Weknowihere
hath been , and do beleeve , there are fome fu ha-
mongthera; but O how few, and how much have
thefe few been looked upon, and perfecuted by the
; reft, with an evil or jealous eye, foas thty have been
judged moreours , then theirs? we have not forgoc
thediftinftion , that on this head, was made in for-
mer times among the Bishops themfelves, and how
they were diftinguished into Puritan and Court Bishops.
Will not one of thefe two follow > either , that the
generality of the Godly , ( whom Chriftians walk-
ing according to the rule of the wordmuft efteeme to
be fuch) areunderaftrongdelufionin their opinions
about, and oppofition to Prelacy ; Or els (which is
mod likely for the reafon formerly given ) that Pre-
lacy favours not of godlinefs, but in its native tenden-
cy is an enemy to it; which fayes it cannot be of God,
but for trial and corre&ion <■ 5. As the maine and
chief qualification , thc'prelats require in their intrants
into the miniftery , and in the people they admit to
ordinances, is fubrmffion to, and owning of them
conforrne to the prefent law, how inefficient and
B 4 fcanda-
(candalousfoeverthcybe , ( which is overlooked and
difpenfed wich in them,) j fo their bitter oppofition to
and unceffant perfecation of pious, able and faithful
minifters,. that comply not with prelacy, declares
to all f that it is not the good of the Church (chat con-
fifts in true knowledge and godlines) they feefc; but
the extending and eftablishing of their tyrranous do-
minion oyer all, byminifters and profeiTors fubmit-
ing thereto , without gainfaying of their impofitions
' and commands. How contrare in this , istheirway
to the rules given in the word, for calling & ordaining
of minifters, i T//W.3; 1,2, &c. Tit. 1: 5,6, &c.
and the pra&ife of the Apoltle Paul, Phil. 1: 15. who
rejoyced Verf.18. that Chrift was preached, altho
out of envy and oppofition to him I Can that courfe
bcof God, which muft be fupported by fuchwayes
and means, that croffe the dire&ions and rules of the
wordanent Minifters, anddifappointstheendsofthe
Cofpel and Miniftery \ Beleeve this who will > we
cannot*
Sect, II.
What moved Minifters tofubmh to the aB of Glafgow :
O'fome remarkj upon the afts againft conventicles,
and fuch as refufe to depone againft
delinquents.
ITHathbeen often OhjcBed to us, both by friends
and enemies ; why did Minifters and Congregati*
tions obey fo quickly that aft of the Councel ac
Glajgow, in leaving and deferring of one another jfeing*
by venue of their divine mutual relation to one ano-
ther,
ther, as paftors and flocks, they were bound ta
cleave together , in performing and doing of all mu-
tual duties , which by divine precepts and engadg-i
ments , they were bound to obferve ? Jlnf. As wc
will not altogether juftify our cariage, in that and
feveral other particulars , in our way thorow thefc
fad times -7 (being willing to take with, and humble
our fouls for, all our imperfeftions and failings, that
shall be difcovered to us by any,- ) fo there were
fome things t in the circumftantiac cafe, that ma/
plead for us , and alleviat the offence taken at our too
general praftice in that matter ; As. *• ThefuddenJ
nefs of that aft, which allowed very little or no time
for deliberation , and coming to any folide refoluti^
on, in a matter of fuch weighc and unufuall practice*
anent which, we had fo few precedents in former
times. All know , how puzling furprifals ufe to
be j and if there be not a prefent divine hand to guide
andfupport, under the power of temptation, with
which furprifals are ordinarly attended , all are in ha.
zard, thorow the byaffe of corruption, to mifcaryt>
and in their refolutions to turne to the wrong fide;
JVlinifters and Profeflbrs are men of the fame corrup.
tionsandpalfions with others; aod whatever obli-
gations be on them for truth and righteoufnefs , and
the leading of others, in the fame $ Yet throw dark-
nefs , the influence of corrupt affections , and temp-]
tations concurring therewith , ( to which they are
obnoxious as much, if not more > then others,) they
are ready to flip ; in which , for the gofpels fake ,
they should be pitied and prayed for.
2.1t had no little influence upon us in determining'oui:
refolutiontochis* that our party, in our nighbouring
B j Churches
(16. )
Churches in England end Ireland , upon the emiflioa
of an aft of Parliament , difenabhng all Mmifters.
that did not conformc to Prelacy , for the exercilc of
their Miniftry , had quit their charges, and removed
themfclves to other parts $ not thinking it fafe to
theoifelves, their people, theinterelts of religion,
as it then flood , to juttle with Authority, in con-
tinuing their Miniftery with and among the people,
contrare to the new lawes madcagainft them ; while
weconfidered this leading example, with the rea-
fons tnoveing them to it, we thought ourfelves as
much prefled therewith , as they* And, no doubt ,
if wc lud followed the contrare courfe , our Loyalty
had been fadly reproached > and their practife made
Hfe of to aggravat our difloyal difpofitionr with which
welhad been often branded>althou£h falfly) to a great
hight of contempt ; which had > we grant , too
much weight with us.
3. The maine defigne , we had under confiderati-
on at that time? that did molt exercife our thoughts*
and take them up, was, how weraighrbepreferved
from the grand corruption , Prelacy, that did then
enter into the Church: manyqueftions, in order to
it, were debated among us, for our mutual leng-
thening againft the aflaultsot our common adverfa-
ries, which we, in rational fore fight , did apprehend
would come upon us • never dreaming of this courfe,
that was followed with us; which with one ftroke
cut the Cordian knots of many difficulties, with
which we had often grapled, in our exercifes and de-
bars. In this unexpefted courfe of providence ,
clearing our way , under many difficulties, we then
thought it our happines , in being rid of, and deli-
vered
(*7->
veredfrommanyafnare • which, no doubt, made
us give place more eafily to the penal part of that aft.
4. Webeingat4that time unacquainted with (of-
fering, and contending for the trurh , in oppoGtioa
to prevailing corruptions, in this way', itis not ta
bjexpefted in rational charity , that we could come
fo Suddenly, to that hightofrefolution and courage,
as to venture on the ut moll of hazards , that then did
threaten the contraveeners of that aft , and the laws
upon which it was founded. Suffering for righteouf-
nefsPhiLnv. I aft , is imported to be a gift, as far
above the ftrengrh of nature, inourfinful imperteft
ftate, as that of faith ; as all finde when it comes
to be the ir cafe. It is eafy for onlookers to cenfure
and condemne the failings of others, ic perfecting
times, but it is not fo eafy to fuffer: it requires the
Spirit of power, love , and of a found rainde, which
is not quickly wine at by them , whomChrift calls
to take up and bear his crofle. We grant this gives
nodifchargeofguilt, in not doing and fuffering,5 as
God cals ; yet it cryes for compalfion and forbea-
rance from others , who , on this confederation ,
should be fpareing in their cenfurs, knowing they
are in the body , and liable to the like fnarcs and in-
firmities.
5. As thit deed was too much influenced with
fear, and other corrupt paffions and affeftions , both
in Minifters and People , ( which did vilibly predo-
domineatthittime,) fo there was a palpable defer-
tiononthefpiritsofall, that rendered all counfclls
dark and perplexed , and in all deliberations, inclined
to that which was freed from fuff^ring , and pofitive
compliance with Prdac/. Altho this doeth not
diminish
(28.)
diminish fin, rtor warrant any finful negleft, nor
gfve any true ground of excufe for it; yet iccals for
charitable conftru:tions from others, where fince-
rity is apparent in the maine ; as then ic was to the
convi&ion of all ; yea to the refuting of thefe h ird >
unchriftian* and bitter cenfures of many , vvhojudg-
ed our former profelfions ofZealfor the work of re-
formation > in proceeding times , to have flowed
from a corrupt byafle to che world and the things of
it, difcovered, we grant , in too many , formerly
fceming Zealots > by their compliances at that time;
from whom theytooke their meafures, in judging of
ethers.
6. It is to be adverted > and ought to be of great
weight, in the confideration of this biifines , that
Minifters* confulting their congregacions , efpeci*
ally the godly and judicious among them, weread-
vifedtolye by for fome time* and the truth is, they
feemed as unwilling to venture on the hazards of Of-
fering, that threatned all , as Minifters. This we
know was the reafon > that mod determined not a
few, tothatrefolutionandpraftice; and what could
Minifters do in this cafe, efpecially, info linden a
revolution , anenc which they had the leading exam-
pie of others , in other parts of the Hand i
Notwithftanding of all thefe, and much more,
that might be faid for charitable conftruftions of Mi-
nifters and Congregationes praftice in this, at that
time; yet we judge it the infirmity and fin of Con-
gregations and Minifters , that they did not cleave to
one another as Paftores and flocks. We doe not plead
for Minifters keeping to the acceflbries of the Mi*
fliftery, as kirks > ftipends, mantes, glebs, &c.
which
(i9.)
which was, by divine precept , their right, but not
in their power to hold; but weaflert it was fin, that
they continued not in the exercife of the Miniftery^
paftoral over fight of the flocks, keeping up the go-
vernment of the Church , we had been in the poflef-
fion of; and peoples net adhering to their Mini-
fters , in hearing , and receiving of ordinances from
thera > and not affording them all due incouragemenc
and maintenance; all which was done by Minifters
and Churches , in times of forer perfecution then
ours.
If the rigour and feverity , that by this aft , and
its full execution , with others that followed there-
on, for a confiderable time, (which we forebear
to mention) hadceafed, and gone no furder, we
would have looked on all, as little, and laboured
to have borne the fame > with that patience, meek*
nefs and refolution , that becomes Minifters & Chri-
ftians, profeffing the nameofChnft Jefus: but the
engines and devices , that afterwards wrere fet on
foot* as the High commi/Jion> and feveral unchriftian &
illegal pra&ifes ; with the over violent preffingof the
people to a conformity in their capacity ; with fuch
illegal and inhumane ufages by military force, (which
alone without any Rated and formed defigne, gave
therife tothat infurreftion , inthe Year 1666. and
the blood that followed thereon, to the the fullcon-
viftion of our Rulers , who then fearched unto the
bottom of that affaire; were ftraines fo high; thac
cannot be juftified by the moft extended rules of
Chriftian moderation and equity , that Rulers are
bound to follow , in the exercife of government :
although this heat of violence > was for fome tme ,
a little
(3°->
a little cooled with a shour of blood , and other dan-
gerous confequences like to enfue^yet after wards>f uel
being by the Vrelats brought and adminiftrac unto it ,
it againe begins to take fire . and to break forth into
ftrangekindeoflaws, made (asicfeems) togivea
legal face to its proceedings; which in its former
height it wanted 5 the the bounds of which it
cannot yet keep, but (according to its geniouO over
the hedge it leaps, and gives a ftraine beyond thefe.
Ic would be tedious to take an eaa&viewofallthe
particular lawes made againft us, by which > the
foundation of our paft and prefent fufferings have bin
laid , and are like to be continued : therefore we shall
only give inftance in a few 9 from which » we may
take our meafurs , judging of the reft.
As, firftt Pari. 2. Carol. 2. S&on 2. AB. $.
intituled - an a& againfi conventicles : As this aft con-
demns all aflemblies, convocations and meetings of
thefubjefts , not cxprefly warranted of his majtftyj
( which will make many meetings and convocations
of thefubjefts, now in ufc, illegal and unlawful ) fo
by confluence , reflects on the meetings , and aflem;
blies, that Chnft Jefus while here, his Apoftles,
Miniftersand Chriftiansheld, in the primitive times;
who not only keeped their meetings without, but
againft the afts and edi&s of the magiftrat , in thefe
times: for if ic be laid downe for a foundation in go-
vernment 3 that the only right of convocating the
fubje&s is proper to the Magiftrat , what ever be the
caufes, occafions and ends of them; then the Apoft-
les, Minifters, andprofeffburs will be found tranf-
greflbrs and enemies to government ; who, although
inhibited and difcharged from meeting > yet did not
for
forbear toafferoble thcmicivs for worship and go-
vernment. What a miferable ftrait are we brought
to, that the meetings of the Lords people* now
called Conventicle s, cannot be condemned, butonthc
fame grounds, the affcmblies of the Church in perfei
cutmg times, mult be judged dangerous, unlawful &
feditious? But this is not the worit; for in this aft not
only preaching and expounding of fcripture, by Mi-
nifters of Chnft kfus % ( although in a family befidc
their own) is judged to make a conventicle and an unla
wful meeting;but prayer alfefa common duty ofChri-.
flianity, ) is declared to be of thejfame fotce; fo that
no nonconforming Mmilier or any other may pray
together, on any occalion, or for any caufe whatfo
ever , but they shall be reputed keepers of conventi-
cles , and liable to the penalties adjudged by this law
to fuch. Is prelacy come to this height of oppofi-
tion togodlinefs , that it cannot Rand and be fecured,
except the worship of God in Chnftian focieties be
laideafide, and its exercife difcouraged (to which
there needs no fuch incitments in the'e times , the
} generality of profeflbrs being prone enough of them 1
elvs to prove negligent and flack in this matter )
under the odious names of Conventicles , and by fuch
penalties againft them ? Are we fuch odious abomi-
nable creaturcs,that none muftjoyneinChriftian com-
munion with us, inthefe means and duties of wor-
ship, that are of common obligation onallChri-
ftians ; but it muft be forborne and laid aGde? or if we
once open a mouth to and for God , in any fociety;
we shall bring ourfelves and others under the hazard
offofevere penalties, which, inthepurfuanccofthis
law , have been inflicted on fome, tocheaftonish-
(3*0
ment of its hearers? But moreover all fach meet-
ings, belide the imputation of fedition and other
horrid evils ? with which they are branded, arere-
prcfented, as the feminaries of feparation and rebel-
lion : a charge , if true , that maketh them merito-
ous of farheavier punishments > then fome ofthefe
decreed againft them : but from whence can this
come i Net from the nature of thefe exercifes, con-
fideredin themfelves , which are nothing , but the
performance of fome neceflary commanded duties of
Religion, which all know to be thegreateft means
to, and cements of union and obedience, in Church
and State: not from the mater that is pre ached and
prayed ; our principles for worship , do&rine , &
government are known , being extant in our publift
confelfions , which are of a contrare tendency.
If any fay > we preach principles of feparation and
rebellion. They , who aflert this, are bound to make
it out , of which we have heard nothing as yet , and
should have been condefcended on , and given for the
ground of this aft , and not the performance of thefe
truly religious exercifes, done by perfones authorized
and enabled thereto , by the commands of God. We
require of all engadged againft us , to do us that piece
. of common juftice , they owe to all men , in the like
cafe, that they will inftance in the doftrines we pre-
ach, and in the mater we pray, wherein our meet-
ings are become the feminaries of feparation and re-
bellion, if they can: when this is done, we shall
cither give afatisfying anfwerto the charge, or els
foccumb to this aft.
It is like, fome place this charge , in ourdifobe*
iience :q the law. Then it comes from the law and
the
(35-)
the Law makers, and nac from thefe meetings and
rhcperfcns that keep chew ; for antecedent to this
law they were not in thernfelves fen'inaries of fepa-
ratioh and rebellion , according to thisobje&icn/and
if this be the effeftof the law , itnadbcenmi,refafe
to have forborne it , whofe work should be , rather
to prevent and remove the feeds of rebellion , then
thus to lb we them* But this law inics nanativefup-
pons thefe meeuVgs to be fuch , antecedent to its
enaft ing ; but gives no hint a: any reafon for this hea-
vy charge.
Others again fix the truth of this charge on ouc
tneetings, for our withdrawing of the people? from
the allowed publift worship , and the perfons autho-
rized by law to di/penfe the fame. If the act had
only circumftanriated and defenbed fuch meetings,
as had this effeft , and not taken in all religious Chri J
ftian fellowship in the duties of worship , fomething
might have been faid for juftifytng of this aft, in a
conformity to thepiincipleofChurch*governmtnt,
now iltled bylaw, without a wound to true piety ;
but to make all meetings of ChriftianS , vvheiein any
part of worship is excrcifed ( without an exprefle
licence from the prelat) feminariesof feparationand
rebellion, isineffeft to condemneChiift , his A*
poftles , MiniftersandCbriftians, who*inoppoG-
tion to Heathenifme, Herefy, Profainnefi and
.shifme, have, under fevere laws made againft them,
aflembled and met together, for communion in the
(worship of God ; whofe aflemblies have been ac-
counted unlawful Conventicles > and loaded with
i many ofthefe evils, that are now charged on ours.
Darany > profeQing hirofelf aChnftian, fay, that
G ths
(34-)
the meetings of Chrift , his Apoftles and Mmifters ,
inhoufes and feilds, (who had the occafionof the
Synagogues, the ordin3re allowed places for meet-
ing in wo! ship ) were guilty of reparation and rebel-
lion, ( although charged with thefe) or didfowitie
feeds of theie evils i Although none will affirme this,
yet we undertake to make ir out , from the frame of
thsaft, as it now ftands. Oh -hat fuch a law should
be found in the records of this Nation, which will
fpeak ( if ever we returne to ourfclves ) to the shame
and di 'grace of thefe times. But, as to our repara-
tion horn the authorized puhlift worship , with
which s feme with great confidence, brand us , we
shall confider it afterwards , and fee whtther they or
we be the feparatifts.
We forbear to fpeak to the penalties ftatute in
this aft, againft the contraveeners of it ; which on
wany accounts might be made to appear, to be far
beyond the demente of the crime, and an imitation
of the popish cruelty, who punished the Profeffbrs
of the truth* with punishments equal to thofe in-
flicted for treafon; in which this aft is not short,
that adjudge the keepers of field Conventicles, to
death and confifcaticn of goods.
In the next place, it adds not alittle to our grief,
under our prefent lufTerings i that although there be
penal la wes againft P^/'/fc, and other hetei odox per-
sons, yet no notice is taken of them > nor any execu-
tion of the law upon them ; yea in one aft of Pari.
Caroli.Z* SeffionZ. j48.7. they are exeemed from
the guilt and feverity decreed againft us: which feems
ftrangetous, when theirs and our principles , even
in matters of civil government, are compared; theirs.,
in
ia theconfeffions ofall ProtejUnts, are found to be
incompatible with, and fubverfiveof that obedience
and allegeance , that is due from fubjefts to magi—
ftrats, iuppofedby them heretical: which was the
true caufe of the fevere laws, made againft them,
that for fome time , ( fiom the beginning of the re-
formation ) were put to fome execution ; but as to
any execution now , iiackened and and laid by, as an
almanackjout of fate. Are their principles and defigns
changed? or their number any fewer i yea is it not
• cncreafed , beyond what they have been Gnce the re-
fi formation ? But poor we are laid open to the lash of
e . the fevere laws, enafted againft us, and all wayes
i taken to crush us and our caufe , who owne no other
principles, butthefe, that are either implicitly or
I explicitly aflerted , by all Proteftants , which are
l known to the world , to be corroborative of govern-
r ' ment, and fuch as make way for all juft obedience
! from the Subjeft to the fame.
j To make way for the full and fare execution of this
• law, there is another ena&edParL Carcli.l. Seljion.
2. Aft. 2. Intituled an aB again ft tbofe 9 wborefufeto
j depone againft delinquents; which is particularly de-
j figned , for comeing at full information, againft Con-
j venticles and Conventicle keepers ; as is expreiTed in the
i body of that aft \ but fo conceived and framed, as
> it aufwers to that oaih de fuper inqnirendis , ufed by
the Papifts in their inquifidon ; (condemned by all
Protefiant Divines, ^for its oppofition to juftice,
mercy and equity) for fir ft > no fort of perfons are
exeemed , the Father againft the fon, the husband
againft the wife , &c. were the relations never fo
near, no exception of them is made ia this a&»
C z which
which ufe to be admitted in all other crimes ; except
that of trsafon. Next by this aft , the deponent
( whoever he be ; is oblidged to anfwer all interro-;
gations and quefcions propofed to him, although
be hath had no previous conGderation of them, which
In all other crimes ufed formerly to be allowed ; that
jo the deponent might anfwer from mature and fare
knowledge , which here is not granted. What a
foundation is hereby laid for the moleftation of the
■fuhjeft? Shall wei>ejthat unmerciful and unjuft to all
2nen> yea to our neareft and deareft relations, as to
areveal that of them, which, ifkeeptfecret, brings
no prejudice to Church or State: And if revealed l
will ruine them , in this prefent world ; and that for
a mater , that antecedent to the law , is no tranf.
greflion before God; but the doing of a neceflare
duty? An invention ( we muft fay ) framed againll
the good and confeiencious" , who cannot efcapeby
this law ; and for the encouraging of the bad to the
perfecting of fuch > who throw the power of their
Jufts, are at liberty tofay. and do, what they lift*
Are thefe the fruits of Prelacy , that moft endeared it
to us? Whither are we gone. t Shall we thus fight
againft heaven , to reach a poor handful of perfons,
that are able to do nothing > b ut to look up to God ,
arid figh to him , for thefe evils, that, no doubt , are
procureing and bringing difmal and fad dayes on
this land f Wc forebear to anatomiz thefe and other
afts of the like nature , and to give judgment to every
claufe and part of the fame; but leave them to the
impartial confideration of all concerned, to whom
the offefts thereof may afterwards fpeak more , then
-we love to utter , ac this time* Only , in all humi-
lity,
(37-)
; lity, we offer two things, to be obferved ( which
, aretheobfervationsof not a few ) that thtie and o-
ther afts do pave the way to all lore of cruel perfectly
, tion, ifafurderdedenfion in religion shall happen
] tofoUow;( which webegtheLordinh'S rich mercy
t to this nacion would prevent. ) Rulers are fubjeft to
: erre , in the matters of God , as well as others ^ (as
I the inftances of all ages leave beyond debatj) audit
; others shall arife after us, that incline topoptry, oc
1 any other falfe Religion, aie there not lawca made to
1 their hands by us , tnac will facihcat their woi k , and
piakeitmofteafy? What have they more to do, buc
' to refcind fomc,very few in rega-rd o£ thefc that once
were5 and to execute thofe they ffnde in f orce and ont
record, for the perfecutmg of all opponents- to the
height of crulty. Next tbere needs no act of Parlia-
ment to this change, and introduction of another
Religion: anaft from the King , recoided in the
Councelbookes? and fufticiently published (which
is declared to be of fufficient force and obligation a-
bout thismater) is enabled by law to foall. An aft
without a precedent in this nation , when considered
in its full latitude and extent.
From what is fa,d anent thefe a<5ts, any may gather
the true reafons of our refufeing the Bond ( lately
framed by theCounceOrhat takes us engaged agaioit
! ConventicIes> fas they are called ) 3ud was enforced
by violence on us* Not pretending to much know-
ledge in the lawes, we have alwayes under/Rood,
bonds to be voluntare , and firft to proceed from per-
fons found guilty, and fentenced by the judge, con-
forme to the law; which the clemency of the Ma-
giftrat doeth often fufpend or re^it) upon the guilcys
C 3 offered
'(38.)
offered and voluntarcengagment for better behavi-
our, in times comeing , and never required of nor
impofed on perfons*not proven nor found guilty* The
truth is, if thisviolentingimpofition of bonds, be
thus allowed and praftifed, what ground will there
be thereby laid down* forthetroableandmolaita-,
tionof thefubjefts? And who can promife to him-
felf fecurity from the opprefficn of others , that, out
of malice or covetous defignes, may, on any pre-
tence, give information againft others, altho ne-
ver fb qmet and peaceable ?■
Sect. III.
The Minijlers preaching and peoples hearing vMU
cated: andjoure Objections an fwered,
HAving thus far opened our hearts , and touched
at fome things, that are truly greiyous to us;
not fo much for what we have fuffered , as for the
fearofwhatisliketobetheconfequences of the en-
gines , framed and fee on foot, for perpetuating ours
and the Churches oppreilions, in this and the fol-
lowing generations: we shall in the next place give
an accompt of our praftife , in preaching and hearing
oftheGofpel, difpenfing and receiving of ordinan-
ces, at. and from the hands of the ejefted Minifters;
dienewcaufeofthefe heavy aft s, fentences and pu-
nishments inflifted on us, for the fame; ingoing of
which we shall , firft , in all finglnefs of heart,) bring
forth the true grounds and reafons 9 binding our con-
fidences, to thefe praftifes f and then shall take off
theexceptionsthK aremoft ufed aqainft us.
Our
- (39)
Our praftife, in this mater, we build on fuch foun-
)r.datioa>, chac all Chdflians, cfpecially Protelbntsf
lc,by vertue of their pro fefled fubjeftion to Chrift Je-
JjfbSi ( our only King and Law giver in chehoufeof our
ecGod ) are bound toowne*nd adhere to> and from
'which chey cannot recede, without contradicting of
the faid profeifion , and doing manifeft violence to
' the' law and word of Chrift > the holy Scriptures, our
only Itatute and law book) in all matters of doftrine*
Worship and government. If on bringing our
cafe to them , it shall be found, that our condemned
practice in thefe ftandsjufiifiedi, wehope with much
afTurance, we shall be acquired in the fight of God >
and in the confeiences of ali that have any feeling and
fenfe Of true Religion; thecenfures and talkingsof
others aga nft us ( which do not alittleaffl ft us, for
the fad confequences thereof to themfelves) shall
I not much move us.
Therefore firft, the Miniftery of theGofpel be-
I ing ) by pofitive inftitution and appointment from
' Chrift Jefus, as Head and King of his Church; and
] theperlons qualified for , and called thereto , in his
| own way, without dependance on the Powers of the
earth, being thereby conftitute his Ambaffadors and
! meflengers , and in fpecial delegation fent from him
I as fuch, to preach theGofpel, to treat with finners
for reconciliation , and obedience ; they by vertue of
this inftitution, and their fpecial delegation or million
from him , are bound to exercife the Miniftery 5c
office, they are inverted with, till it be taken from
them in the way , by which he coveyed and confer-
red the fame upon them. Ifthis bea truth (as no
Chriftian that doth acknowledge thi divine autho-
C 4 , rity
ricyofthcholy Scriptures, jnd fubjefte themfelves
to us light an 1 direction, will get refufed ) will it not
follow thac Miniftefrs . in i h^ir roimfterial capacity ,
are rirft 3nd immediatly fubjett co Chrift , and not to
men , in their miniftrations of the Gofpel i for they
as h s Ambaitadours , having and denveing all their
power from htm, areoblidgedonhigheft paines, be
reafon of their fpecial relation to him , and their co-
million from him , ( which concames all their in-
flraftions ) to do the work of che Miniflery , & can-
not be fuperfeded therein by any, far lefs by them ,
that acknowledge Chrifts authority, in and over the
Church, to be lupeiiorto, and above all other au-
thorities whatfoever. If they hid their power and
million from men » well might they fubrait to thefe,
in taking ic from them ; but it not being fo , they
cannot think themfelves difcharged of their office,
bur in the way. by which He conferred the fame upon
them. Bdeeve us> in this lyech a great part of our
difficulty : we are fures Msoifters areChnftsmeflen.
gers , lent by nun , whom they are bound to fei ve ,
h preaching or the Gofpel and difpenfmg of ordinan -
ces, foi thefalvation of Tinners, from whirh oblu
gation none can looie them, but Chrift Jefus, their
only matter and head in this work, (2.; It does alfo
natively flow from che former truth j that all , efpe-
cially thofe in and of che Church , are, byvertueof
Chrifts fupereminent , fupream , and abfolute au-
thority , and their profefcd fubjeftion to him , in.
difpenfibly bound to fubjeft to the rrjinifiterial autho-
rity and its exereife, in the perfons of thofe whom
he lends , and thac on the account of their minifterial
power & 0 nice, which is trutly Chrifts and not theirs;
thsy
(4*-)
they afting according to the lnliru&ions contained i*
their comrniilion; tor they arc Chriiis iervantv . ferv-
ing him by fpecul delegation in the Go' pel , to
which they are impowered* coram iffioi&ted, and in-
itru^ed by h m \ they bear h.s name, ftaadinhis
f\zad> aodfeprelenthbncobts peoples asmsAm-
balfidours , being fent by him to all fiiineis, tor at*
taking and carrying on the great ends of the Gofpel t
their converfion, ediacition a' d eternal ialvac.ort
And, feing it is io, Wv muft tiiftrenunce Chnits
authority and domiuon, over iris Church* before we
can refufe and reject tnac power and authority of the
Ministers of the Gofpd> who are thus (eat by him to
us: the truth is > the not receiving of thera , is a
reje&ingofnim $ a matter that should betenderly Sc
feriouflyhid tohearrbvall > fork d^a-vs exceeding
deep,uponall forts of iinners high and low; fo that
they not depending on any other infe; ;our authority
and power (except that by which they were fenc )
their obligation to the work of the Gofpel cannot
beannulled by men. Lecus fay it , in this wecon-
tend not meerly for the minifterul authority , ( chac
for the fountame and ends thereof should 1*2 dear to
us ) but for the prerogative of Jefus Chill , whofe
right it is , as King of his Church , to coaftuute Sc
fend Ambafifadours in his own name-, if there be any
thing, that is the proper right of Soverai^nity , this
is one , which is the native confequent of it, without
which it cannot be: shall we aliow this id point of
rightto earthly Sovereigns, and deny it to Chrift ,
the only Head and High priett of our ho'y profef-
fion?
Secondly 9 Moreover, Minifters in this relation
G 5 they
(4*J
they Hand under to Chntt Jeius , have the Gofpel &
its ordinances committed & intrufted ro them , to be
difpenfedinhisnamcfor the converfion and edifi-
cation of finners; for which they are called, the
fletvards of the myfteries of God , I Cor. 4: 1 ♦ this is
a talent they have received from their great Lord and
roafter , of which theytBuiishortly give an account;
and which , while they have it, they are commanded
in all higheft paines to ufe , for the gaining of finners
to him , in the ways he direfts them to in his word.
Now let all judge , what a Itrait Minifter* arecaft
into* in thefe times : If they forbear on the inhibi-
tions of men, to difpenfe the Gofpel and its ordi.
nances to finners , thus committed to them , they
prove unfaithful to their matter, betray their trutt,
andincurrehis heavy difpleafure and wrath: If they
anfwer their truft and aime at faithfulnefs therein , in
preaching of the Gofpel, and labouring in the work
thereof, to gaine finners , they provock men and
expofethemfelvestoallfortsoffuffering. Butth.y,
knowing the love and terror of the Lord, have on
mature confideration of this mater , chofen andpur-
pofed, in their matter's ftrength , to venture on the
wrath of men ; feingthey cannot, in tbisjunfture,
both pleafe their Matter & them; refol veing to prefer
the neceffity of fufFering , to that of finne,the much
commended and cryed-upchoife of Mofes, in the like
cafe, propofed to all in the word for their imitation.
Thirdly , Befides this truft of the Gofpel , there
is like wife the heavy truft of im mortal foulsfto whom
they are fent) committed to them , of whom they
are to give an account , and for whofe blood they
iimftanfwsr* when they refigne and give up their
Reward-
ftewardsjiip, and lay down their office and truftat
his feet, from whom they received it. Do any
think, the threats ana inhibitions of men , willdif-
charge them of this truft ac their matter's hand ? If
I they think fo , they shall do well to produce fomc
thing from him, that will fignify fo much to them,
1 (without which they cannot judge thernfelvcs ex-
eemed from the caicand overfight of fouls- whofc
blood will cry aloud in the ears of their mailer, if
[ they do not their part, in what he hath commanded
them, for faveing of fucli. We have heard of no-
thing yet from oui Rulers to fatrsfy our confidences in
this mater > but peremptory lawes andafts, com-
manding them to obey the fame , under great penal-
ties : J f we were allured upon clear rational grounds s
that their voice and commands were the voice and
commands of Chrift Jefus , releeviRgus of this prek
fmg burden of immortal fouls , oncelaidonus^Jhovv
quickly and cheerfully should we obey their prefenc
laws: but nothing can we learne from them or any
other, toafcertaneusofthis. Let any, that hath any
true feeling of thenatur^l ftare of fouls, judge, what
! acruelty it mull be inus> to behold fouls perishing
throw ignorance, wickedneffe, hypocrify & a Spirit
of delulion,in all parts of the Land, while we have the
, difpenfation of the Gofpel committed to us, the mean
! that Chrilt hath appointed in his houfe , and ufeth to
blefs with power to thefalvation offinners? Will
notour negleft, in Qighting of this, make us guilty of
their blood , and acceflbry to their eternal perdi-
tion ? Weare affiiredofthis from the word of God-
While we reflet and think on this , we dar not , for
for of men and the fufferings that threaten us'from
thettb
them, nand by and look on , butlabour, aswecan,
in our mimfterial capacity , to prevent the mine , we
feecomingonimmortaliou!es,comeofus what will.
If it be granted to us, that our obligation to obey
God, in all he hath commanded us in hs word, is
antecedent and fuperiour to the tyes on us for obedi-
ence to men ; and that the commands of tr.en should
and ought to give place to the commands of God,
( as we expect will not be denied by any, that inter-
table the true notion of a God head, m«ichleiTeby
them that profeiTe fubjsftion to the holyScriptures,as
the oniy rule pf faith and obedience) then our practice
cannotbe condemned , but muitbe juftmed, which
is but a neceffare conitqaence at this truth, fo univer-
sally received and rfbfed with by all men 5 (except
thofewho have deb. uehed their conferences, throw
the predominant love ot temporal thiogs, toafla-
vish fubje&ion to the lufts and finful commands of
ethers) for are not Minifters commanded to preach
theGofpel,and the people ro hear it, toaffembieand
gather themfelves together for that end? How many
are the commands and precepts of God to us in his
word, about this mater? In a thing fo clear and
evident through the Scriptures, it is attonishing to us
to think, that men profeiling themfelves Chnftians
dare iflue out commands, fo directly oppofice to the
commands of God , and the obligation on Minifters
and Chnftians to obey Him, before all others* We
grant , when there is another duty on foot and called
to » hie & nunc* theMagiftrat may, yea ought to
Supercede the praft ice of that> that would hinder the
duty, neceffare andcalled 10, for the time (to which
in the circumftaniiac cafe there is an obligation and
' " call
(450
call antecedent to 'he MagiUrats command/) buttd
lay on, and fix a Raced ceflkion from the praftice
of commanded duties, onthofe, that are under an
obligation offeivirg Cod, in the mater> forbidden
by men , is beyond the power of any ; to do fo , is
to frame and ftjcea war with God, and to fix our*
felvesinoppoficion to him. Arc not Miniftersand
Profeflbrs then in apuflingftrait', who muft either
dilobey God, or men? To them that ask us, why
do we preach and hear, to the offend;ng ofourRu-
lers,and the caufeing of fo much trouble to theCoun-
trey? Oiiranfweris, God in his word hath com-
manded us fo to do; they that fuftean the relevancy of
this reafon , but yet deny theconfequence, are ob,
lidged to give us fomechin^ , ; that takes off our ob-
ligation of obedjence to God? in thefe things, in
our cafe; ( fure we are they are commanded) but
nothing can we meet withjrom the Scriptures of
truth, to anfwer our arguments , and fatisfy our
consciences , but the cry of hazard from fbme> and
sharps feveriry from others.
Fifth, Wc hold according to the Scripture, that
as the Ma^iftrat cannot, jure Magi ftratico* exautorac
; the MiniftersofrheGofpel , or take their power and
office from them ; fo he hach no power to untye the
obligation on Minifters, and Profefibrs, forobedi-
i ence to God , in theleaft of his commands. It is a
principle in politicks, held by all, that no inferiour
power can difannulapower, or hinder itsexercife>
thatisimmediatiy derived from, and dependant on
a power fuperiour , except they show a warrant from
the fame: but in this matter it is fo: we know all will
grant , that Gods fupream authority and dominion
ft
(4«0
is fuperiour to and above all authorities and powers •
feing they derive the fame from and hold them of
him * who is truly Lord of Lords , and KJng of Kjngs.
And feing the Minilterial power, as to its being
and exercife, in the Church, is immediatly from
God , throw his Son Chnft Jefus , by pofitive in-
ftitution and appointment in his word \ no other po-
wer can exautorat thefe, that are cloathed with it,
but they muft shew a warrant for it from God in the
Scriptures j there being no other way , by which
God makes known his will to the fonsof rncn$ if
there be, let it be shown, and this will end the de-
bait, and bring us to a quiet and cheirful fubjeftion
totheprefentlaws , about the maters controverted,
Wemeet with confident aflertions , butnoproofs,
without which, we cannot look on our felves, as
loofed from the obligations lying onus> toufeand
exercife the Minifterial power, by vertue ofthein-
ftitutions and commands of God > given anent it in
the word , We know the JViiniftery was inftitutc
without a dependance on the Magiftrat, and exercif-
ed in the Church , not only without, butagainfthis
will and command ; and God was obeyed , while the
jMagiftrat did countermand & oppofehimfdithere-
to , to his outmoft ; which fayes , that Minifiers
andprofeflbrs did not thendrearae ofadependan.ee
on, andfubjeftion to the Magiftrat , in the Maters
of God: The truthis, to give the Magiftrata po-
wer to diflblve powers inftitute by God , and to fw-
perccdeour obedience to him > in the things he hath
commanded, is to make him equal with, if not to
exalt him above the Almighty God; the only A bfo-
lute andUniverfal Soveraigne of allGreatures in hea-
ven
(47.)
yen and inearth. Is not this to fubfiitutetheMagi-
il ftrac , and to put him m the place of the Pope, that
i jinti-chrijl , the man of fin., who in nothing fo
gl'inuchi as in this, now under debar, exalted him-
ajfelf aboveall that is called God > oris worshiped,
i. ,as is prophecied of him , z Tbejj: 2.4? Theconfc-
quenceofthis ufurped power, now given to, and af-
( fumed by the Magifirat,in &over thehoufeof God,
is fuch, that we tremble to think on that , which
i 1 will (if things continue \n this prelenccourfe ) be
f theiflueofit. Aswefinde,in the accomplishment,
that Luther did prophecy , in faying that there should
i 1 an e a Chilpope in iheChunh, who should extend
, his power over the fame, as far as ever the Ece/*/?*/}/-
, cal Pope had done ; So we fear > rhat the troubles,
s ; tryals aud perfecutions of the Church, shall corae
1 i near to that hitghr , they were at , under the Pope
... oxfyme. This ftrange inhantingof things , divine
1 and humane , (peaks iome thug to fall out, that will
: { make the prefent ar d lucceedmg generations to trem-
Ji bie* for God will not alwayesbe mocked , norfufFer
I his Glory to be taken from Kim.
J Sixtly , When we confider the finful and evil
: confequences 5 that would of themfelves follow upon
; ; our obedience to the Magiftrat , in the mater now
nj controverted 5 we darnot, for all that is dear to us
in this world , comply with what is required of vs',
nor dtfift frorn'fervmg of God in theGofpelofhis
Son ; for ( 1. ) If the former reafons , for our
non-obedience , do hold and prove concludent,
would not our obedience to what is enjoynedus,
confirme the unjuft uiurpations? maf?e en the Church,
and wreath the yoke of bondage about her neck $ to
the
(48.)
theenflaveingofthe conferences ofall , andtbelofle
ofherjuKrighrsandpiiviledgcS; purchafedfor, and
granted to her, by JefusChnf* f As our comply-
ance would have made us acceiforie to the Magiftrats
fin j and brought us under the guilt ofall thelin 2nd
wickedncffe, that hath cnfued on the fame; (owe
should not only have been cruel to the Church or.
God, and the fouls ofprofefibrs therein, but we
should have brought the r'uine of the Church on
our own heads $ fornot only he that is active in and
concurrcs with the caufesof evils , is acceflbrie to
all th /bad and evu confequences of them \ butalfo
he that labours not in his capacitic and Ration to hin-
der them , when it is in his power to do : having
therefore nothing left us and within our reach, to
with Hand thefe ufurpations and corruptions, under
which the Church now groans , and by which she is
inhazardrobedeftroyed, but theGofpelofChrift,
that we find yet commited to us; we dar nor give
over preaching and hearing of the fame , which the
Church in all ages hath found to be the power of
Cod to her prefervation , and recovery in evil
tiroes, (a, ) While we think on the following ages ,
and the obligations that areonus* fortranfmiting
theGofpel to thrtu, in its purity and power , (as
our worthy predeceflburs did before us ) 8c whit are
the .means and wayes > prefcnbed to us in the word ,
for effe&ing of this great good ; and with what fuc-
ceffe thefe have been efiayed, in the former gene-
rations of the Church , to the benefice of fucceeding
times; we findc ourfelf ftraidy tyed, both agamlt
poGtive complyance with what is required of us ,
and the omiffion of that, which God hath com-H
roand,ed/
M9-)
manded, and put within cur power, for refilling of
thefe evils; which ifyeeldedto and not wirhftood,
would bring our children? 2nd theirs after them, into
the darknefs of ignorance, Idolatrie, fuperftitionand
prophannefsjfrom which God in a great meafure deli-
vered us. We dar have no hand in the blood of our
children, or thofe, that are comeirg after us; which
we know, the neglect of rhefe means, chat are ap-
pointed for propagating theGofpel , would bring
upon us > and make us accefforie to. Jc is not un-
known, what advance and progreffe thefe times have
made in the forefaid evils, fince Prelacy reentered
amongft us j and what furder length they would
have gone,i f it had not been for the obRruft ion, they
have met with, fiorn the Goipef preached > by 2
perfecutcdand defpifed hand full i in whom the' fob*
lishnes of preaching hath been the wisdom and
the power of God , tothefalvationof this Church.
( },) Although the folemne tyes, and obligations
of the Covenants , under which thefe nations once
came.be decryed, and all endeavowsufed , that are
within the reach of thefe L3rtds , todifannul, dif-
grace, and make them void j yet finding > en the
exafteftfearch we have made, that they remaine in
force on us, and this Church > either to the duties
contained in them* or els to the Judgments and
pbgues denunced in the Word of God againft Cove-n
nant breakers;we cannot toary thingthat will biing
us under fo hainous and land- deftroying Ons >
as Covenant breaking andperjurie; which we can-
not evite? ifeither we comply with the corruptions*
ejected by thefe Covenants out of this Church ; or
do not j in our ftatiens and capacities > according to
D our
(5o.)
our power aftively withftandand oppofe the fame;
and labour not for the preservation and advancement
of the doftrine* worship and government of this
Church , as it was at our taking on of theCe obliga-
tions; which binde us not only to Negatives, or
non- comply .snees with the eje&ed conuptions ;
but to endeavour the prefervation of thefe concerns,ia
our capacities , according to our power. Albeit this
feem light to others, yet it is not fotous^ for till
the mater of thefe Covenants be difproved, from
the Word of God > and made to appear to be un-
righteous, antecedent to the Lawes of men , ( which
none hath yet done) we muft judgeour felves bound
by them to the observation of all they containe , in
thisprefcnt cafe of the Church. We may not, fo
far as our knowledge leads us , have any hand in fur-
dering, and advanceing oftheejefted corruptions ,
whether in doftrine, worship or government ; but
inuft of nece/litie, fer ourfelves, in our Rations againft,
them $ left we be partakers of other mens fins , and
conkquently of the plagues, that God hath threatned
in his word againii them.
We shall confider next, fome of thefe *#c^j/o»x,
moft commonly ufea againft us, with which we
are publickly and priyately branded, andftigroatized ,
for rendt.nng us odious and hateful to all. Excep-
tion, i. That we refuit to give thar obedience to
the Magi ftrat , hislawes, and commands, !hatun-
der the paine; ofdamnmon , is enjoyned toallfub-
jefts, intheWoid of God? Anfwcr. Becaufe this
is the confiant cry o four oppoiers , and given for the
ground of thefe reproaches of difioyaky > rebellion
& fedition, fo unjuftly call upon us jwe therefore matt
earneftly
(gxJ
carnefllybegofall, they'l weigh irripartiallythe fol-
low ing <Anjwers> in the balances of truth and Juftice.
Firft, As wechearfullie grant Magistracy to be
the Ordinance of God, and by divine inftitution, to
be immediatly derived from him; by vertue of which,
all , efpecially Chnftians, are bound to fubjett them-
felvs to thofecloathed therewith, and to obey them
in all their lawful and juft commands;fo we complean
of no little injuftice done to us , by our adverfaries ,
who for cur non * obedience to the prefent lawes
about prelacy , do charge us , with being enemies
toMagiftracy, and difloyal to them, that are now
invefted therewith j concraretoour known doctrine
anenc this mater , prefented to the world , in our
public ConfefMons of faith , yet extant amongft us ,
^ndourconftantpraftifc conforme thereto. Iffim-
ple non-obedience > in fome particulars, that greive
the confeknee, be a fufficient ground for this charge,
willnot theConfeflbrs and Martyrs , in all ages of
the Church, be held guilty ofdifloyaltieandfedition,
who, for not obeying of Magiltrats, in their Gnful
commands , have fuffered greivous and hard things?
.None can on this ground condemne us, but they will
be found to juftify the perfecutors of the Saints , and
to condemne them $ if our reafons , for non - obe-
dience in our cafe , were taken from the unlawful-
nefs of authority, and our Rulers clame thereto , the
charge were moft juft ; but fetng they are brought
from the finfulnefs of the^mater commanded > while
we acknowledge the authorise , and grant obe-
dience thereto in all other things, how malicious and
unjuft is the charge?Reproaches & lyes will b: found
another day a weak covering and an unfafe refuse.
D 2 Secondly,
Secondly » We fuppofe it writ not be denyed to us,"
that the power of Magiftrats is nor (imply abfolure ,
butfeveral ways bounded and limited ; as, (ij By
its own nature , which is properly civil and p<»litck*
(2.) By its cbje&s, Truth and Righteoufnefs , to
whichitisaftrifted, and beyond which* in itsexer-
cife, it cannot > jure* go. ($) By the absolute
and univerfal authority of God and his laws, fronti
which it and other powers are derived , and to
vvhich they arefubordinat. All thefelimitesare fee
to Magiftracy , which it may not tranfgrefs ; and
beyond which 9 obedience is not due to thefe, true
are inflated in it. By ihcfirjl it is diftinguished lpe-
critically tr om other powers, as immediatly fountain-
cd in, and defcended from God, as it; as the power
of Parents, of Husbands, Mmiftersof Chrift , &c*
fomeof which did exift and had being, before Ma-
giftracy W3S jn the world . We a(Tert that thefe
powers , being fpvcifically different from Magiftra-
cy, and as irnmediatly derived from God, the Ma.
ftrac cannot, jure, difannul them, hinder their ex-
crcife, nor diflblve the obligations on thofevefted
therewith , to thole duties to whxh they are antece-
dently bound. It is true, the magiltrat hath a power
about thefe powers i but it is only cumulative , and
not privative of the fame: he u to fee, thatalldo
their dunes in their feveral relations & capacities, and
that Truth, Righteoufnefs, 2nd Peace be kecped ,
and flourish amonfl them. By the [tcond the roa-
gtftratisboundup, andtyedto, truth and lighreouf-
nefs i and hath no power to go beyond , far lefle to
docontraretothem • they being the eifential objefts
and ends of naagiftracy , for the prefer vation and ad-
vanc-
(i0 n
vancement of which, it v\as firft inftirute & brought
into trie woild. By the third the magiftrat is fo lut>-
jt&edtoGodand iubordmaccd to him, fas all other
powers are) rhit not only the right ot precedency,
in the mater of authority aid obedience thereto, is
Gods, andnotthe rnagdtratsj but the roagiltratis
that much fubje&ed to his law» as that h;.* hath no
jus, or power, to command any thing to the contrare/
h.s commands h re are nullities, as a non babeme Potc*
jlatem: (oihar non- obedience in this cale isnotdif-
obediencctohim; but obedience to God; for asGod
hat h not given power to any of his creatures againft
himfeif ; fo in the Collation of the mag.ftratical
powerandaurhonty, thereis an obligation convey-
ed with it on (he perfons called thereto* to improve
and life the lame for him > and the furtherance of
obedience from others to his laws \ for thern?gi-
ftrats power being of God, makes him the Mini*
fter of God , for tne good and not the hurt of othefs.
Hence it is evident and beyond difput, with all fobec
minded men, that the commands of the magiftrat,
do not binde any fubjeft , where God commands the
contrare. Court paraiites and flatterers may extend
this power of the magiftrat, beyond thefe, who
through the love of their worldly intertfts and Lfts >
(when favoured and advanced by Rulers) more then
from any true refpeft to their juft authority and pre-
rogatives y keep no bounds in their aflertions about
th^ma^iftrats power; but the true markes , and
Land marks are fet by God himfeif, and will not be
removed , but to the prejudice and mine of thefe thac
labour to overturne them. If we make it not out*
(as hath been hinted above) that 3 thit which is
D £ com*
(54 J
commanded is finful, andcontrareto the commands
of the muti high God, let us be ufed with all feverity;
butnoeareis granted to us, allaccefTedenyed,and
every doorshuc up.
Exception 2. But our adverfaries not finding
fufficicnt ground, for the former charge , take them
to the anions, done in the times of our late troubles
3nd confufions , charging all that was then cone up*.
on our party and their principles. tAnf. We are
confident chac,v\hen the carriage& aflions of the true
Presbyterian party, in relation to the Magiftrat, shall
be fearched after , and known; they will be afuf-
ficientconfutation of thefe malicious Calumnies caft
upon us , . from this head : we know t for justifying
of this charge, all the enormous aftious of former
times are fathered on our party, and their princi-
ples, but contrare to all juftice ; for wearefure*
it the actions of the late preceeding times were
duely differenced, and diftinguished into their feveral
kindes, & drawn uptotheirtruefountaines & heads,
that thefe of them , that arc not juftifiable, shall be
found to reft on perfons and parties of de&gnes , in-
clinations, and principles different from ours, who
for worldly refpeftsand defignes, betook thsmfelves
to, and sheltered under the wings of the Presbyte-
an party , while in power and fuccesful (asitufech
alwayestobemfuch cafes: ) of thefe there were dif-
ferent yea Contrare forts5triit winding into the favour
of leading perfons in thofe times, didclimbup to '
that height of reputation and power, as to influence
their counfels and aft'ions, to the committingof fe-
veral enormities , that we dar not , yea will not jufti-
fy; but after- alceracidns gave fufficienc difcoveries
of
(55>)
ofthcm, who ? rot em -tyke, chang-ng into every
forme, flroke in with the party, that d:d for the
time predomine:let proceeding aftions then be diftin-
guished into thoie, that we judge right and refolvc to
Rand to , as the native effects and produft of our
defigns and principles ( how much foever now mif-
reprefented* ) and thefc that were influenced and
brought forth , by the predominency of pcrfons and
parties of different defigns and principles, in our
counfels; and alfo becwixc thole , that were the
aftions of particular perfons, and not of the party;
as likwife betwixt thofe ufual infirmities > that men
in this Gnful Hate are incident to , in the beft of acti-
ons, and thofe grofle and wicked aberrations from
the paths of Righteoufnefs , that are but feldorac in >
cident to men of honeft intentions , and well in-
formed confeiences : we fay, dousthejuftice, thus
to difference former aftings , while Presbytery was
in the rife 3 prevailing and profperousagainft itsad-
verfaries, and we will quickly wipe off ^he dirt caft
upon us by perfons , that keep no bounds of charity
andjuttice, in their cenfures of the late times: let
Hiftories be confulted ( partial as they are ) and it
will quickly appear ? what were the true genuine de-
fignes, and aftions of our party then , and whatnot;
but thus to charge the whole partyi their principles ,
; hand over head , with all the enormities of thefe
times, lookes rather like a Spirit of bitter malice,
thenofmeeknefs, fpbriety» and judicious love, that
fpeaksno evil , without clear rational grounds, the
great ornament of the Profeflbrs of Chnftianity. Is
it not known, and beyond all difput evident, what
the Presbyterians did in oppofeing the change of go-
D 4 vern-
vcrnmenti and all the lad praftifes committed
before anl after , in relation coic: foasthetbenpre.
vailing party co-itided more , in the preUtick and
cavilier paccy, theninths Presbyterian, (lading them
more trnely averfe from? and concrare to their de-
fignes and ways, then :h: other? Butfomealledge,
that yvedid raifeSc put them ma capacity to do what
they did ? O how weak is this argueing? If it hold >
the holy and righteous God will not efcape the ccn-
furcsandimmcations of chir men; all thewicked-
nefs and mifchiefdone in this world will, by this me-
dium* comeuponhim , as the caufe and auchorof
it \ from whom they receive ail th it power, ftrength,
and capacity, that enables them to do wickedly. Shall
thofe chat do good to others in educating , iupply-
ing,&a£Fording them all neceffanes.abufed by them to
fin and ryotous living, be judged the authors of their
wickednefsf O folly! If our intended brevity could
fufferu , we would make it out from undeniabie
inftances , that the government had not fuch fure &
ftedfalt friends, as the Presbyterians, who were true-
I'y fuch i and afted according to their profefled prin-
ciples; who Itood to ir , wfeea others ( who are now
the only favorits) turned their backs upon iz> in
going all the length ofcomplunce with theUfurpers,
that was required ; while the generality of true Pres.
byterians refufed , for which they were difcounte*
nanced , and looked upon * as a party that was to be
fuppreft. Jfperfons that fyeak thus at randomea-
gainft us , could, by clear mediums , knit the pra-
ftifes , they chage upon us , to our profefled defigns
and principles, how would they triumph; but none
•f thefc haye we yet feen and heard* We know > the
late
(57.)
late wars are fathered ojojl party, as the firft cau-
fersaodbegmnersofr.? But groundlelly, as will ap-
pear co any> tiiac will be at che paines , to fearch
out <he true caufes and grounds of then); we arc con-
fident true > as any, whois cruelyunbyaMed, comes
to the through knowledge of thj(e> they will find
ouradverfanes in che blarne, and nor our party, who
for Religion, liberties , and (elf prefervacmn , (for
all was at the Sake ) vv:re then forced to anoes ,
tlrow the invariable pr:de and tyranny of rhe then
Prelats ; bnc coo much of this. Only we muft (ay ,
if things now hold on in their prefent channel , in
which they have run thefe few years pail , we doubc
not j but many will jultify and allow, what once
they condemned.
Excepttm $• It is withno little confidence af«
ferted by lome , chac although the Mmiiterial power
be immediatly from Chnil > by divine initiation ;
yet, theexercife thereof is from the Magiftiat, to
thatMmifters may not convocat the iubjedtSj preach*
anddifpenfeordmances , without liberty from him £
%Anf. (i ) We defire to know . whence our advert
faries have lea. ned this diilm&ion ? Sure not irom
the word; there is not theleaft foot ng for it there;
if it be , let it be produced. We know its original
from whenceit came, tly.c man of (mi thePo^eof
H?memth'om whoic Arfenal, the All of the Hierarchy
hath been brought j audtbfc 3.-oythe rdi, who
f orgaine , and fixing of an umvafal abfoiure deptffc
dance of all upon frm; invert e i this difttrificion, chat
was unknown to the CliriiLan world before he
arole.
But, (iJ Weaflerti that the exercife of the
D 5 Mini-
ess.;
Jienal power , is, as much imraediatly from Chrift;
and independant on theMagiftrat, as che power it felf.
Firjt, becaufewefindethis power was exercifedin
the Church, in the primitive times and afterwards,
without any dependence on, and acknowledgment
of the Magiftrat anent the fame; this none will get
xefufed. Wedefirethento know? what it is , that
now fufpends the exercife of the Mimftenal power
on the Magiftrat, that was not then? Chriftianity
adds no new power or right to the Magiftrat , it
only qualities and difpofes him , to ufe his power
aright ; but gives none that he had not before: for if
a heathenish Magiftrat shouki exercife all that power
about the Church and her paftours, that is by Scrip-
ture allowed to the Chriftian Magiftrat, he should
not exceed, nor go beyond the limits of theMagi-
ftratical power. As we finde feveral heathenish ma-
giftrats, in the Scriptures , doing a great part of the
work afcribed to the Chnirian magiftrat j (as Cyrus ,
Darius f Artaxerxes 9 &c ) (o they are commended
for it. It is co us ridiculous , to fay , that the heath-
enish magiftrats power is not intenfive ($ habhualiter
as great, as the Chriftian magiftrats. 2. All moral
power does necefTarly include, and hath flowing
from it , an obligation to its exercife , if moral and
PhyQcal impediments hinder not ; it not only gives
right to fuch and fuch afts > and makes them vahde;
but it binds theperfons cloathed therewith to fuch
afts * fothat the omiffion of th^nf) in their feafonis
their fin ; for the end of the power tyes the perfon ,
that hath it , to intend and feek its accomplishment,
in fuch and fuch wayes , as is proper to the nature of
the power ; as might be inftancied} but in a mater fo
clear we forbear. Thirdly .
(59)
) Thirdly, How comes tnis difcinftiontobegive*
' *iid madeufeof, anentthe miniiieml power, an J
1 not anent others, abouc which the Magiftrat may
[ exercife his power alfo' may not Fathers, Husbands,
; &c, do the duties proper co their relations , without
leave from the Mjgiftrat? if they may, give us a
reafon why Mimfters may not do the duties , proper
and fpecifkk to their function, without the magiftrat?
their power is as immediatly fromChrift, andisas
little dependent on the magiftrat , yea and leJlei then
theirs ; never one hath undertaken this task, but
they, who makethe magiftrat the fountaine of all
power : which is moft abfurd; feing the magiftrat
didfinde other powers exifting and in being before
he was.
Fourthly, As the power of minifters is from Chrift
by divine inftitution: fo they are under an obligation
for its exercife, by divine commands, which the
rmgiftrat hath no power to imped , as hath been laid.
They that arecloathed with the minifterial office, are
commanded to exercife ir, who, id no place of Scrip-
ture, are directed to the ma Mitrat , for hislicenfe;
If they be, letus fee it: no doubt we hid heard of
it , ere this time, if any fuch thing were.
Exception 4. There is one exeption ufed againft us
among others , and urged with no little vehemency/
; in the matterof our loyaltie and obedience to Autho-
rities wit,our non - appearance before the Ounce!,
! bn fum monds given out againft forne of our number ,
atfeveraloccafions $ which is held forth to be, and
ftrongly aggravated for a high evidence of our con-
tempt of our Ruler*, and theauthoritie wherewith
they arc cloathed: for. which up wards of 80. of
Centime**
(6o.)
Gentlemen, Ladyes, Miniftersandyeornensarein..
tercomibuned $ andtbefubje&s> under the fume pe-
nalryesduetoluch, inhibited all manner of allicance
to, and con verfe with them. ^nf. Not iikeingto
dip into, anddifcufife thefeveriueofthisi meoteof
intercommuning , pafied with fuchfolewnky againft
us, norycttocanvaffethe legality or illegahti, oi it^
but leaving it to others, better verfed in, and acqua-
inted with our Lawes ; we offer the following con-
siderations to all, which we hope will, totheunby-
afied, not only alleviat but juPtify ournon- appea-
rance. ( i. ) Befide what the law of nature hath
provided and teaches all men, anentlelfprefervation;
we fuppofe , it will not be denyed , but granted to
us by all, that, if many of the precepts and examples
we have in the word of Cod , do allow flight to Mi-
nifters and Chriftians from the unjuft violence and
oppreilion of Rulers t when it is within their power
to decline it; then our nonapperance before the
Councel wil not neceffarily inferre a contempt of
their authority , or any true difloyaltie and difobedi-
ence to them : Otherwife Chrift Jefus our bleffed
head, hisApoftles and others * will be found as
chargeable with rhis crime, as we ; from which
all Chriftians do free them. While we think on thefe
•precepts and examples of Chtifr, hts Apoftks and
Chriftians, who lived in Scriptuie times, wecan-
not avoid thefe twoconclufions,which in ekfpite of
all contradiction do make out the former inference f
as i. Thatpaifive obedience to the unrighteous de-
crees and punishments of Rulers, is as undue, as
aft ive obedience to their unjuft commands: injuftice
in fencences and punishments, binds no more to I ub-
ipillioa
million to thefe , then uinghteoufnes in commands
tyesto obedience, where the infliflion of fuchpu-
nishmeocs'sevitablc; for Rulers are not enabled by
their authority to injultice more in the one, th.n they
are in the other; and confequenrly there can be no
obligation on their fubje&s from their auchoricir, to
g: ve the«nitlves up to their unjuft punishments, more
then to yeeld obedience to their iniquous commands:
& it it were notfo, Chrift and his Apoftles finned in
not giving this obedience: which is moft abfurd.
Obj: f. But this is contrarie to thedo&nneofmany
Protectants, who teach t hac pailive obedience is due ,
an J should beg; ven , where aftive obedience is not f
*4$tfc i. We knowofnoProteftants that teach fo,
rxcept thofe who were proiylitedinto court parafit-
esj it was neither the doftrine nor pra&iceof roofr
Protefcants , as is clear from their writings and Hi-
I ftory.2. We defire to know of them that thmke other-
: wife, what this allowed flight is, If it be net a remov-
ing of ourfelves (when the circumllances ofcafes
permit) from the decrees and fentences of Rulers,
appointing us to unjuft punishments'! which is no-
thing, but a denying oi pailive obedience to fuch fen*
rences. Who can evite this } Some there are who
>rantths, in fentences that reach the life; but not
n fentences that only touch the body and eftate, as
mpnfonments , fines, exile, &c. But give not any
ufc inftanct s , or found reafon for what they affert.
oncLz. Hence alfo we gather from the forefaid
>recepts and examples, thatnon -fubmiffion to un-
juft iemences, when within our power, is not in-
ponfifttoi with thar refpeft , efteem , love . honour
;nd obediencei which > by yettue of Cods com.
aunds
(6z.)
mands, we arc bound to give to Rulers 5 and confe-
quently is nd contempt of their authority , nor any true
difloyaltyj els Chnltin allowing himfelf , and his
Apoftles in pra&ifing this flight , had been contem-
ners of auchontie and difloyal to it : which all Chrif-
tians aflert to be falfe. Hence it is evident , and will
be To to the unprejudged, that if our Oppofites fatten
not this,charge on the mater, they will never be able
to do it from our non - appearance (imply and abfira*
ftedly considered. 0£j»2- Our Rulers fummonds
being properly their commands to us, forourappe-
arance before them , ( which is lawful and in its felf
juft) we were bound to have appeared , both on the
account of their authority , and the thing command-
ed ? dnfi This being the obje&ion of greateftfeem-
ingftrength> and mod ufed to our reproach, we
shall confident a little > and ( 1. ) Waveingthede-
bate about the nature of fummonds, and leaving their
native import > ufe and confcquences to Lawyers ;
Weaflert, that when the commands of Superiors,
(altho lawful in their immediat objeft or matter )
are* in their ftated defigne , fo connefted with irreli-
gion, injuftice, opprelfion and unrighteoufnes, that
they become the engines and means of oppreffion and
violenccor of any thing truely finful in its felf; we fay,
fuch commands participat of the nature of their ends,
and become unjuft ; asforinftance, when Rulers in
order to oppreffion and perfecution, command any
fubjeft to witnefs bis knowledge of the Orthodox
opinionsand pn ftifes of fuch and fuch perfons > the
fabjeft in this cafe ou^ht not to obey fuch commands;
which out or this cafe and the like , that are abftratt
from fuch finful ends* he not only may, but ought
to
to'*)
to obey jor if a matter or father should require his fer-
vant or Ion to bring to him fuch a woman to fuch a
place, they knowing it is for corrmiting of unclean-
nes with her, they should not obey ; which, when
without refpeft to this wicked end, they are bound
to do. If this were not a truth , the officers and fcul-
diers , that apprehended Cimft and Crucified him,
were innocent and blamlefie: which all grant to be
falfevfor it was the injuftice of the ends of their lawful
J.ulers commands in this thing, that made their obs-
ience to them undue and unjtft , fo that they were
truely culpable and guilty of Chritts blood, as well as
their Rulers. (2.) Suppofeingbutnotgranting,the
fummopes to be good & juftinthemfelves^yetit is a
Maxime agreed toby all Divines, that where two
things morally good, doe t*yft in Chriftians praftice,
the one of one or two decrees of goodness he other of
three or foure* that thelaft should be chofenand pre-
ferred to the firft: but fo it fell out to be in our cafe. To
our thoughts on this matter j it was beyond queft-'on,
that our ncn- appeaiance at thefe times, tovshich
we were cited , was a greater good ( fupponing the
other to be good , which we do not yeeld ) both
to the Mag'.ftratj our felves and others, then our ap-
i pteararicecould have been; for thereby the IVkgiftrac
; was withheld from unjuftoppreifion, he should have
i been guilty of, theGofpel prefeivtd with the people
in its purity , much fuffcring to others prevented
&c. while we had no good to expeft from our appea-
rance, but a meer aft of obedience. ( 3. ) That
non - obedience « in fome cafes and things, 10 the
commands of Rulers, is no true difobedience, as
( 1 .) . In things without the Magiftrats line and reach,
altho
altho the things commanded be juR and good in
themfelves: fuppone the Magiitrat should command
a perfon unordamed, to preach the Gofpel) difpenfe
theSacran ents 5&c. this beingbeyond the Magi-
ftratslme, it were no difobedience in any (ubjeft,
not to obey fucb commands* (2.) In things con-
traire to mercy and juliice.th^c one Subjeft oweth to
another* it theMagillrat command either thenoc
doing of thefe > or the doing of the ccntrare; not
obeying here, is no difobedience. The truth is,
if the mater com maoded be not juft, and, antecedent
to the Magillrats commands , not neceffare ; roc
obeying is no difobedience ; and the reafon is, becsus
no power canjufiiy crave obedience , when itafts
either beyond , or 3gainft its true sdequat formal ob-
jeft : buc of this above, (jv) When Magiftrats
commands are oppolite to Gods, (which hath often
fallen out ) obedience to God, can be no difobedi-
ence to the Magifirat. But in our cafe we undertake
to prove> that altho the thing commanded, to wit ,
appearance, be within the compalTe of theM^giftrats
power, that ic was contrare to mercy'and juftice \
yea and things commanded and allowed us of God ;
which will exeem our non-appearance from difobe-
dience> Sc conllquently from contempt of Authority.
Knowingand being morally certaine , that the un«-
juft violence t defigned againlt us, would have inevi-
tably followed on our appearance, we chufed rather
to fo bear it, and to ufe the flight (Thrift allowes to
his fervaots and people, in the like cafes* It is a
Maxime in Morals or practical divinry , accorded to
by all Divines, that of two penal evils, when the
rieflion of thena is incur arbitrament, thelefTeris
to
to be preferred to the greater: And to any that con-
sider the cafe , we then had before us , it will be
mamfeft,that flight was much preferable to the feve-
rity , weweretoexpeft on appearance » of which
we wereaflured, not only from the ftanding lawes
oftheKingdome, butlikwife from the preceeding
carriage of our Rulers ; who , altho flow and negli*
gent enough in the execution of the lawes againft
Paptjlsi Quakers, and other heterodox opinious and
wicked pra&iks; yerpunftual and Brick, in puting
the law to more tben its full execution againft us. to
which they have been , and are inftigaced by our
*nemies,the Prelats, to fuch a hight of keennefs, that
if the mater contained in our fummonds cannot be
made to appear , we are put to anfwer fuch interroga-
tories, and required to'give and fubferibe fuch oaths,
engadgments and bonds, to which, they know,
we cannot without destroying of our principles yeeld;
for rcfufeing of which , many of our party have been
c aft into prifons, fined* banished, &c.
Thirdly , It had no little influence on us in deter-
mining our non- appearance, that the ufual legal
forme of procedour in judgment, allowed to and
ufed with others > is not obferved towards us-, from
which we could not expeftjuftice, but all fevcrity.
On our appearance we have no accufer, often no ly-
bel condefcending on3 or containing our crimes, with
the circumftances ; no witneffes produced ; but an
oaihadminiftredtothecmpannelled, for expifcating
of accufations againft ourfelves and others, and that
! in crimes made by law capital ; and the oaths ot
thefe , whom the law calls , focij criminis , fuftained
for valid probation ; wayes of procedour condemned
E by
{66.)
by the law of God and nations, except where the
Papifts cruelty takes place. And ifallthele fail, the
fubfcnbmg of engagments and bonds is p opofed &
required ( as is laid above^ ) on the rtfuial ot wheh ,
aprifon is the belt we meet with. Let any man of
ordinare reafon and juftice judge, whether appea-
rance before Rulers, who, by following of fuch
methods and wayes in judgment , declare themlel ves
refolved to have at the perfons arraigned > whether
\ure or not ; we fiy, let any judge, whether appearance
before fuch, when it is in their choife to appear or
not, be rational and fafe; except where the (uppofed
•guilty intends by their appearance > ro prevent
greater feverity.
Fourthly, Among other things § that came under
confederation with us againft this appearance* was the
oathdefuper inquirendis , lately framed into a law,
and now prefled on us , which ( for thereafbns for-
merly given ) we dar not take ; tor befids the fevere
punishments (as imprifonmem, arbitrary fines, exile
to forraigne plantations > &c. ) we were to look for ,
forrefufeing of this 03th ; it we take it, we a e,
contrare to all natural equity , mercy and juftice ,
made the accufers of ourfelves and others > contrare
*o the provifion made m the aft eftablishingand im-
pofeing of this oath, which declares that the oath
taken by any shall not militat in judgment againft the
takers of it to fa h 8c fuch penalties therein fpecified,
and yet the mater of their lybel ufeth tobedrawne
From it , and if they deny their depofition5 an oath is
adduced for probation|againft them: And it is not
intelligible l y us , how fuch an oath can be fuftained
for vahde probation againft others, and not againft
the
J; (<J7-)
! the deponent ; feing a perfon's own confeflion of
! his crimes is judged fufficient againft him) much more
■ shouldthisoath > which neceflarly fuppons and in-
fers confedion, even judicial.
>H But Fiftly9 In the next place, the evil confe-
rences, that by our appearance, wewerecertane,
would have redounded to many, made us forbear
it ;for if we had appeared, we were fure perpetual im-
J" prifonment,or exile from our native countrey^had en-
j fued thereon ; whereby we should have been put out
of a capacity > for labouring the prefervation and ad-
vancement of the Gofpel in this Church, of which
\ we are members , and to which we , as Mimfters
and Chriftians * arefoftraitly tyed and bound; the
people should have been robbed of a faithfull Mini*
fiery , and the benefiteof the word purely difpenfed
by them ; the rod of perfecution , now on the back
of this Church , should have been more sharpened
againft the remnant of our party; the people expofed
j to more shakeing and winnowing temptations, to the
endangering of their ftedfaftnes ; our adverfaries of
all fortes more emboldened to vent & fpew out their
i venemous doftrines , and to carry on their defigned
defeftion to a greater hight : all which being more
then probable , yea to us morally certane > we durft
not do that , which would have opened the door to
; all thefe evils. Thefe arguments do fuppone, and
ilean on the unjuft oppreffion, intended and profe-
j cuted againft us , which is made out both as to mater
I & defigne, in the precedent and fubfequent difcourfe.
Sixtly , It was never a pieceof difloyalty and difon
fbedienceto Magiftracy even for perfons confefledly
j guilty, to keep themfclves from the ftroke of the law,
£ z yea
to run away from it, andtoefcapeoutofprifons, if
they could efFcft ic > and confequently not to enter
intopri'ons, when cited thereto , muft be' as free
ofdifloyalry , efpectally when thecaufe, tor which
any is in hazard thereof; is righteoufnefs , as ours is
at this day.
S E C T. IV.
OurpraWce cleared from feparation\ where his alfo
proved unlawful , tofubmh to the Mini firy
of the Curats.
Exception £♦ The ejefted Minifters preaching,
ic d fpenfing of ordinances , and peoples .runing
to, and hearing of them , in this manner, and with-
drawing ftom communion with th&Church , in the
allowed publick ordinances, is reparation j which
is againli the principles and praftifes of the Presbyte-
rians in foregoing times? Anf. becaufe this , in
adts of Parliament:, publift Sermons, and in Pam-
phlets, is with great confidence aflerted j we shall
take it a little into ccnf?deration 4 and fee whether
the Pi elats and their Creatures ; or our Minifters and
the people adhering to them, be thefeparatifts: 2
finful reparation , wegranc, there is, but whoare
the Caufers of it, and guilty thereof » before God,
they or we, let our following anfwers and reafon de-
termine, to which, that they may be more clearly
apprehended, wepremife. 1. That it is not every
forcoffeparation, that is finful and evil j fome kinds
of it are du;y and commanded, as ourProteftant
divines make good againft the Papifts, zsJoftfhRM, jf
"and all that writ on that fubjeft: for ic is our part, llJ
CO
<*9)
to feparat frem fin , anJPiofcnors joyning together
in it, with which the worship of God couie's too
I often to be vitiated, andpolluted: for this we have
many precepts and commands in the word Ephtf. 5:
11. with other Scriptures. 2. Tomakenon-pie-
rence.orabfencefro.il the meetings ofChriftiansfor
worship and government, finful reparation^ there muft
be fir ft a ftited habitual abfence,/t?com#> Such reafons
2nd grounds for it , as will not juftify it ; for if the
abfence be not ordinare, it is no: elieemed repara-
tion; altho the reafons of it be not juftifiable pro hie
& nunc : and albeit the abfence be ordinare and habi-
tual, yet if icscaufes, whether moral or phyficaU
be right and warrantable , it is not finful reparation ;
for abLnce from the meetings of Chriftians in wor-
ship or government 9 is either Gnful or not > accord-
ing to the caufes or reafons of it. 3. The grounds
Vthat will juftify and warranta withdrawing, in or-
dinare, from fuch meetings, muft be. Ci ) The
wantof a juft authority or right, in thofe thac difpeofe
ithe ordinances of worship and government :
jThe Pbarifees queftion propofed to Chrift, Matth.
IziiZ}. did fuppone a commonly granted? and re.
,'ceived truth , which Chrift does not deny, but tacitly
jyeclds $ that they who aft publickly in the Church
muft have a juft authority & right fo to do: we oughc
'to have fome rational convincing evidence of tlvs, &
jifitbe wanting, it will warrant this withdrawing;
, much more, it its want be pofitively clear. (2.) Cor-
ruptions in the worship of God , fo knit to ihem iri
! itheir ufe , that they cannot be ufed without the ufe of
!thefecorruptions,will alfo allow a withdiawmg from
1 ruch meetings j as all in theft grant. ( 3. ) Sinfrl cir-
E 3 cum-
(7°-)
cumftanceS) as fuch places, times, caufes, per*
fons&c. That in their connexion with, andref-
pefts to things, that are truely finf ul and evil , beco-
mes fo, probicW jwna asfafts* thankfgivings, &c.
when obfeived at fuch times, and for fuch Caufes,
as are evil. ( 4. ) Unfound and heretical do&rine 5
taught in ordinal e, in fuch meetings , Matth.24*
We grant it is not every error and erronious doftrine >
that will juftifie a peoples withdrawing, ftom or-
dinances, difpenfed in the aflemblies of the Church,
( there being nothing befides that may juftly caufe
it; ) but only fuch as is truely heretical and fubver -
five of the foundations of Religion,Righteoufnefs,&
peace. When poifon is adroiniitred initeadofwhole-
fomefood, a people are bound to fee to their own
fafety, that they.be not deftroyed by that, which was
intended for their health. (5 ) There are fome things
in the Hated cafe of fome times, and other cuxum-
ftances4 that will give fufficient ground for this with-
drawing, that will not do it at other times; as in
the beginnings of defection > under the contefts
betwixt the orthodox and unfound party , ufually
fome things fail in , that will call for a feceifion from
Church aflemblies; which have often fallen out in
the Church, and is evident fromhiftory; particu-
larly in the time of the Arminians , predomining in
the Church of Holland-, and many others that are to
be feen in the records of the Church. 4. Although
in fome cafes , a negative feparation be lawful and
right, whereapolitiveisnot ; yet in fome cafes, a
pofitive feparation is lawful and duty: it is hard to
determineofcafesinthis matter, except where the
cafe hath been > or els is exiftent; there are two cafes
in
(71.) '
in which this isallowed^ intrufinn, and an univerfal
inft&on of :he worship and government of the
Chuictii with fuperftition, idolatry and tyranny,t©
the polluting of all its ordinances; we hope there
will be no controvcrfy anentthe fecond > feing it is
thedoftnne, and hath been the ptaftice, of there-
formed Churches, in the r lecetliou and departur
from tnc Chur h of B^p ,.e , on that very head ; who
not only withdrew from (he communion of that ido«
latrous Church; but ere&ed themklvs intodiltinft
Churches > with officers and ordinances , conforme
to the commands and mftitut ion of Chnft: and when
the mater is ferioufly and impartially weighted) there
will be found , as little ground of controverfy about
thetirftj anent which we take thefe two to be evU
deitt truths, (i.) That Churches are not bound to
fubjeit to j but to withdraw from thefe intruded
upon them ; partly becauie the juft rights of the
Church are wronged and taken from her, whichall
ought to mamtainc, i nd not to quite, & partly becaufe
she is enflived thereby, andful>jeftedtothc lufts Sc
tyranny of men, and a preparative laid downe to
oth.rs fordoing of the Lke, in times coming. (2.)
That this intruiionis euheron Churches that have
bin and are let led inChnfts way , with able aad
faithful Mmifters ; or elfe on thefe that want & are
vacant for the time: If it be on Churches that are
under the fetled infpeft ion of faithful Minifters, they
are bound to adhere ro thete , and not to give place
to the intruders , from whom to withdraw , can be
no (inful feparation \ the intruders , and thefe that
fall off to them, are the feparatifts: if the Church
or Churches be vvuhQuc faithful Minifters, they alfo
E 4 are
(72.>
are obleidged to refufe the intruding Minifters ; and
if this unjuft and violent incru Don on them continue |
they are oblidged to provide themfelves of Minifters,
that under their overfight , they may have and enjoy
the benefice of theGofpel and its ordinances, to
which by the commands of Chrift, and thenecelfity
of the means of eternal life , they are ftraidy bound;
for as unjuft intrufion brings nothing with it, to make
a people yeeld to the intruders j fo it untys no obliga-
tion formerly on them, for endeavouring of their
fetlment with a faithful Miniftery. If we thought
thefe, in thtfit were queftioned by any, we could with
great eafe make them out to the conviftion of all ; but
taking them for granted, we furceafe any further
probation* Therefore 5. WedeGre, itmaybealfo
confidered , that there is a vaft difference betwixt
hearing of, and fubmiting to Minifters, in the exer.
cife of their Miniftery , in the general ; and doing
of thefetofuch and fuch Minifters; tbe.queftion be-
twixt us and our adverfaries, is not whether wc
should hear and fubmit to^Minifters in their Mini-
ftery, for this we do not deny; but whether we
should hear and fubroit to thefe , that were our
Minifters & fetover us byche holy Ghoft, before this
change in the Church ; or thefe fent from and thruft
in upon us, by the Magiftrat and Prelates f It is no
little wrong done us by our enemies, who, give it
out to the world , that we contemne a Miniftery &
ordinances,and areagainft hearing; while cur pra&ice,
declares the contrare'to all, and for which we arc
dayly fuffering -. We hold that, as it is our duty
to withdraw from , and not to fubjeft to the Prela-
tes, and their GreaturtfW^fkwifcoura^y , to
cleave
cleave to our former Mimlters > in hearing of the
Gofpel,andreceiveing of ordinances from them,as wc
can, &have accefs: we hive given reafons for the affir-
macive, & shall, the Lord willing, do the like for the
negative. 6. It would alfo be adverted, that there
is a great difference, betwixt a Churches bringing
in, and carrying on of a defection willingly, in a
Church way; and the Magiftrats doing this ofhim-
felf, without the Church, yea forcibly, Ecclefia
renitente ac reclamante ; although there should be no
difference, as to the mater ; yet there is much as to
the maner and way, to influence, regular and diveifi-
fie minifters and Chriftians carnage under them : all
in the Church are to fubjeft to che power,proper and
peculiar co her , which they ought not to do to
others, ufurping this power, and tiking it out of
her hands. 7, In this mater a difference or diftin-
ftion is to be made , betwixt the perfonal fcandals
and corruptions in minifters walk, andadmimftrarion
of holy things* and thefe that may be, orare found
in the way of their entry , which may be fuch, that
although they do not invalidate their minifterie, in
their difpenfing of the word and its ordinances, to
the rendering of thefe nullities j yet may give fuflfi-
cient ground to peoples withdrawing from and not
fub/eiting to them , as their lawful and fentpaftours.
8- There is a great difference betwixt a Church re-
gularly conftitute according co the Word of God ,
in her minifterial political being , enjoying the exer-
cife of all ordinances in purity, that comes after,
wards, while under that conftitution, to be intruded
upon by the fole power of the Msgiftrat, andperfe.
cuced in officers and members f or adhcreing to her
E 5 coalti-
conititucion , in oppofition to t.he intruders , and
the corruptions brought in upon her by them , againft
h-rconfcot; and a Church declining from her former
purity, in do&rine , worship and government,
abufeing her power to the bringing in and furthering
ofthefaid defection, and univerfally concurred with,
and fubmited to in the fame. The firft is our caH » &c
concerns the ftate of th. queftion betwixt us and our
oppoGtes , in the charge of reparation they lay on us.
Th: queftion then betwixt us , and our adversa-
ries, is not whether we may lawfully feparat from
publift ordinances, for the corruptions and perfonal
mifcarriages of fellow. worshipers > whether minu
fters or others; as one in a little manufcript doerh
malicioufly or ignorantly ftate it: we are [till of the
fame rainJe with our worthy predeceiToars in their
debats agamit the Brovnifls and Stfaratifts ; as our
practice this day doeth confirme, in ouraflemblies
and meetings for worship , diffjrmg in nothing, as
to this , from what it was before. Neither is it ,
whether it be Gmply or in it (elf finful, to hear &
receive ordinances from thefe> who have entered by,
& fubmitted to the prelates* a bit raft from our prefenc
cafe; for we grant the cafe maybe * in which it is
lawful yea duty to hear, and receive ordinances from
fuchj yea and hath been. But chetrue ftate of the
queftion , is , whether a Church or Churches confti-
tute according to the rules of the word, provided
and fettled with minifters,regularly called and fubmit*
cdto, should yeeld to the Magiftrats and Prelates ,
violently ejecting their minifters , and thrufting • in
•ther minifters upon her , not only withour, but
againft her confenc; in fubje&ing tofuch , hearing
and
<7H
aud receiving of ordinances from them ; while the
Magiftrat does all this, for furthering andperfeft-
ing a courfe of d^fe&ion > concrare to folerane Co-
venants and oaths , by which they were ofcener then
once, ejettedandcaftout of this Church? To this
we anfwer negatively; chat the Church should not
fubje&tofuchin hearing, and receiving of ordinan-
ces from them , buc ought to difowne , and with-
drawfrom thefe > thus entered into the Church, and
complying witluhe introduced corruptions.
This conclufion we provethus. Tirft , They who
bave no jult authority, nor right to officiat fixedly
in this Church , as the proper paftores of it , ought
not to be received , but withdrawne from: But the
Prelates and their adherents > the Curates > have no
jult authority nor right to officiat in this Church, as
her proper paflours : Therefoie they ought not to
be received but withdrawne from. It is expefted, they
will not deny the firjl proportion : all the debate will
be about the fecond, which we make out thus. They
who have entered into, and do officiat fixedly in this
Church , without her authority and confenc , have
no/uft authority and right fo to do: but the Prelates
and their Curats have entered into thisChurch,and do
officiat therein , without her authority and confent:
therefore theyhave not juft authority, Sec. The//V/I
propofit ion is~clezr , and wefuppofe will not be gain-
faid by our Antagonifts; feing the power of million*
of calling and fending of ordinate fixed paflours, is
only in the Church , and noc in any other, as all
Divines do aflert. The Second is evident from maters
offaft: for there was no Church judicatory called
orconvocatcd , for bringingofthePreUcs into this
Church i
<;6)
Church*, all.wfts done immcdiatly by the King&
afts of Parliament, without the Church (she being
by violence difenabled to meet in her officers for fear
ofoppofition from them;) a practice wanting a pre-
cedent in this and (for any thing we know) in all
other Churches. ObjeB. f. But our Prelats were
confecrat by the Prelats of the Church of England i
Anf. What fignifies that to the Church of Scotland >
and their juft right to orficiat in her (fuppone the
office of prelacie were right and institute? ) Does any
think > the Churchof £«g/W would acknowledge
the authority of Prelats conlecrat here, and iubject to
the fame, if all were done not only without but a-
gainft her confent; we fuppofe not . Either the Chui ch
of Scotland , at that time , h id no power of million ,
or els she had ; if she had none > wanting prelacy ,
then our Mimfters were no Miniftersof Ghaft Je-
fus , and all ordinances difpenfed in her for many
years were nullities $ which fome of our adverfa-
ries , we hope, will not fay: if she had the power
of million j howcame shetobenegleftedand ufur-
ped upon by another Church , to whom she was noc
fubordinat* ObjeB. 2. But Presbyters cannot con-
fecrat Bishops , they being an inferior order. Anf
if it could be shown from Scnpture.that Bishops are
not only an Order and office different from Presby-
ters; but that they have a different ordination to
their office, from that of Presbyters, itwouldfay
much; but nothing of this can be made to appear
from the Word of God. But. 2- We ask whether
confecration be different from ordination? If it be
one with the fame, why may not Presbyters confe-
crat i and if they mayprdaine ( as we undertake to
make
(17.)
make out from Scnpturc and Antiquitie ) what ne-
ccllitie was there for poing to England for it , feing
it might have been done by rhe presbyters of this
Church? If confecration d ffer from ordination,
fure it is a humane cuRome and invention , for whit h
we have nothing in the Scriptures and pure Antiqui-
ty, thit onlyfpeaks of ordination, the only way,
in which all Pallors entered into rhepaftotal office.
3, The truth is, as a Church Mimfterial and voli-
tick, conftitute according to the Word of God,
with all officers of divine appointment 5 hath the full
power cf the keys of the kingdome of God; fo there
is no fort of officer, neceffare by divine inftitution to
her edification, but she is enabled, to furnish her
felfwithfuch , without a neceffitie of feeking to
other Churches for them : and if it be fo , the Pref-
bytersof this Church, being her reprefentatives ,
their confenc should have been had. Although we
hadnojuft exception againft the office of the Pre-
lates , as it is conftitute and declared bylaw (as we
have) but their vioLnt intrufion in this Church,
itputsafufficient baron our fubjection to them, (o
that we may not , yea cannot ownethtm as the la w-
ful paftors of this Church, Obj. 3. The Magiftrat
confented to and procured their cenfea aiion a Arf.
If any will make it appear , that the Magiftrat is the
Church ( as Eraftus does infolently aflert without
all probation) yea a member of it5as fuch, or hath
thepowerof milEon, we shall yeeli thecaufeand
quietly fubmit: but whenwefearch it to the Scrip-
ture, we find the Magiftrat, as a ProfefibrofChri-
ftianity a member of the Church without all Church
power dec be to be the fountaine of iO and fubjefted
as
(7*.)
asfuchtothccarc and overfight of Church Officers ,
in the exercife of their mnnfterial authority and
power. We grant, ic is his part to put the Minifters
of the Church ( when negligent in furnishing of her
with officers) to their duty anent it; but not to
chruft in officers upon herof himfelf without her con-
fent. Oij-4. But the Curatshave entered by the
Church i Jinf.i. This we deny: the contrareis
clear from conftant praftice,- for theCuratscomein
upon congregations only bygthe Bishop and Patron,
who are not the Church, nor have any power from
her for what they do , in this : all their right and
power is founded upon , and derived from the fupre-
macy , and afts of Parliament , and not from the
Church ; in which the Bishop afts as the Kings de-
legatand fubftitute, only impowered thereto by his
law : fo that the Curats having and deriving all their
power from the Prelates , cannot have the fame from
the Church ; none gives what he hath not. Buc. 2.
The prelates,not being the lawful governing Church,
any that enter congregations by them, cannot be faid
to enter by the Church; no more then if a Minifter
should enter into a congregation of this Church by a
Minifter or Minifters of the Church of France or
Holland , without the Minifters of this Church, can
be faid to enter by the Church here $ for the Mini-
fters of other Churches are not the governingChurch
of this Church. The antecedent is to us clear ; for
as the Prelates have entered without the Church ; To
the lawful Minifterial ruling Church , although
fcattered and perfecuted , is yet exiftent and in being,
who by the unjuft and violent intrufion of others >
have not loft their right of ruleing this Church j but
in
(79)
in point of right and obligation do continue to be her
lawful paftours •, for violence , perfecution and 10-
trufion, do not diffblve the relation bciwixc the
Church and her P tftours , cither general or particu-
lar ; there being no.hing in our cale, that canjuftly
doit; other wuyes, it should be in the power of the
JMagiftrar, to undo and deftroy the political M;ni-
ftenal Church, both formally and effectively which i$
ab Ufd. We ask at any, who thtr ,k perfecution and
int< ufion do in our cafe annul the p aft oral relation be-
twixt Mimfters and Churches; whether the Magi-
ftrats violent ejecting of Minifters, and puting of
Mahwmtan or Popish Pri efts in their roomes, will
ducha ge Mimfters and Congregations of their ob-
ligations to one another i if they think not , then
hjw can thefe untye their obIigations,in our cafe/5 We
ask a reafon. If thjy judge perfecution and intruhon
by the Magiftrat in i his caf< ,to have this effeft;then it
will inevitably follow, that the Magiftrat can deftroy
divine commands flowing there from? contrare to the
pra&ice of divine relations, & obligations to the obe-
dience of the Church,in the primitive times,who,nor-
wirhftandingof the Magittrats EdiftSithreatnings, &
much actual v»olence,perf ormed the mutual duties of
paftoursand flocks.
/Irg. 2. All power of the Prelates and their crea-
turs in the Church is by law fountamed in and derived
from the M jgilirat , and in its exercife fubordinated
to him ; ( as is evident from the a8 ofreftitution. VarL
Carol 2. i. Sef. 2. A&. i.) which derivation and
fubordmation thtyowne and homologat, by their
compliance with what the law does require , inor-
der to it : therefore fuch we cannot , we may not
owne»
(8o.)
ewnc, receive and fubjeft to, asour rainifters under
feing they acknowledge & fubjeft themfelves in their
roimlieryjo another head, then Chrift Jefus, which
by law is fee in and over this Church, That the force
of this Argument may be more perfpicuous and
clear, we shall put it into forme thus: Thofethac
receive and derive their Church power from , and
are fubordinat in its exercife to another head , then
Chrift Jefus, should not be received and fubjefted
-to, as the miniftersofChrift in his Church: But the
Prelats and their Curats do receive > and derive their
Church power from, and ate fubordinat, in its
exercife, to another head then Chrift Jefus : there-
fore they ought not to be received andfubjeftedto*
as the minifters of Chrift in his Church, We fup*
pofe the firft fropofition will notbedenyed; all the
debate will be in the Second , Which we prove
thus; Thefe officers in the Church profeffing them-
felves fuch, that derive their Church power from,
and are fubordinat? in its exercife> toapowertruely
Architeftonickandfuprcam in the Church, befide
Chnft, doe derive their power from andarefubor-
nat in its exercife to another head, then Chnft Jefus:
But fo it is, that the Prelates and their creaturs, do
derive their Church power from* and are fubordinat
in its exercife to a power truely Archite&onickand
fupreamin the Church , befide Chrift; therefore the
Prelates and their Curates do derive their power
from, and are fubordinat in its exercife to another
head, then Chrift. The major propofitienis evident:
for whoever hath afupream Architeftonick power >
in and over the Church , muft be an head to the fame*
andthefountaineofall Church power: it is a repug-
nancy
nancy to befupream,& have an Arcliiteftonfck power;
and noc to be tne he^d of that Society , to which any
is fuch. Now to the Minor > that thepieiats and
their Curats have thdr power from , audio Us txer-
cife are fubje&ed to a fupream Architt ftonick power,
is beyond diiput clear, from the aft cfreftitutfott, for-
merly mentioned 5 and other afts to be mem ioncd af-
terwards ; and will be io to any thic confidently
perufe the fame ; of which we are tofpe.:kac more
la:ge, under the laft head $ but for the time, we
propofetbeie three from thefeafts, for making ouc
of this argumenr, i. They are exprtfiy made to
have a dependance upon and fubordination to the
King, as fupream to them , in their Church jadica-
tonesandadminiftrations. 2. The government of
I the Church,in its ordering and difpofeing* is annexed
to the crowne, as one royal prerogative thereof >
whichnot only fuppons the government to be in him,
as the fountame thereof, but tobeexercifed with that
dominion , that is fateable to his regality. 3. The:
giving ofChurch power to Church officers, isfu?-'
poned to be the effeft and deed of his lawes, and afts»
without which , ail power in rhii Church. is declaied
to be null and void. ' Objec, Although the Kings
; Majefty be fuprcam governour in all caules, and over
all perfons Ecclefiaftical ; yet he is not head to and of
!theChurch/v An[. If he be fupream governour in
fuch caurcsand over fuch perfons, in LhieacHr<8<i,
noq;ieft:o), he is the head political to the Church;
f ot GOVESJUOUF^b HZ AD He tquipolcnitevwsi
whofoever is fupream Governour to any fociery, in
this fenfe, is a proper political head to it; it is needlefs
to quarrel about words, iftherhmgbegracted. And
F thac
(8*.)
that this fubordinationjor fupremacyis direft,or inLi*
ma AireBaAU we judge,clear from the fore mentioned
a&s, feing they not only make the King the f ountaine
of Church power ; but moreover in the aSamntthc
the National Synod > he is made the Ml of the fame,
and without him , it is nothing. The like of thefe ,
the fun never shined on , except thefe made by King
Henry the %. of England; which being fcrupuledat
by all forts of perlbns3at home & abroad* they were,
in Queen Elizabeths time* forced to alleviat the mater
byremoveing the title head, and fome mitigating
explications allowed, and ordered to be given to the
fubjefts > at the taking of the oath of fupremacy; but
no filch explications allowed here*
%Arg> i. If the Ministers and Churches required
bylaw to receive and fubmit to the Prelats, and their
Curats thus thruft in upon them , were conftitut and
fetled in Chrifts way , asPaftors and flocks, in the
juft pofleilion and aftual ufe of all ordinances , con-
forme to the rules of the word \ then it is no finful
feparation, for Churches , inradhering to their Mi-
mfters , not to receive nor fubmit to the Prelates and
their Curats: But fo it is, that the Minifters and
Churches required by law to receive and fubmit to
the Prelats and their Curats , thus thruft io upon
chem, were conftitut and fetled, in Chriftsway, as
Paftors and flocks , in the juft pofleffion and a&ual
cxercifeofall ordinances j conforme to the rules of
the word: Therefore it is mo finful reparation on
their part, not to receive and fubmit tofthe Prelats and
theirCurats, in hearing and receiving of ordinances
from them.' We fuppofe , the conference of the
ipajor prope/ition is evident , and will not readily be
denyed
P
denyed by any; and ificjhall happen to be, we
prove ic thus. If there be divine obligations on Mi-
nifters 2nd their Churches to the performance ot the
irutual duties of Paftors and flocks $ then it can be no
finful reparation' for Churches, in adhering to rheir
Ivlmifters, not to receive nor (ubmit to thePrelats
and their Cunts \ But fo it is, that the Mmifters
and Churches, required by law to receive ind fubmic
to thePrelats and their Curats , were under divine
obligations to the performance of the mutual duties
of Paltors and flocks: Therefore it is no finful repa-
ration for Churches not to receive nor fubmit to the
Prdats and their Curats. The conference of the
major profofition leaneth upon tbtfe two, and is
infallibly made out by them, firft thatthere is a di-
vine relation of Parlor and flock, betwixt Minifters
and the Churches, over whom they are fet; and
:| fecondly that they are bound by divine commands, to
•J do the mutual duties of fuch, contained and prefcrib-
lied in the word of God: none that acknowledge the
• Jvliniftery to be an ordinance of divine inflation , and
& the Scriptures to be the rule of religion and righte-
d oufnefs, will be able to refufethefe. We conceive
tojinone, even of our Antagonifts. will deny theJW/-
w\\nor \ if they do , will it not follow that the Church
18 of Scotland, before and at the Prelats introduftion ,
m was no Minifterial political Church t which is falfe;
sof (as we undertake to prove ; when ever our oppofites
1 011 1 bivc their reafbns to the contrare. Rut we know the
iand| greareft debate will be about the Minor prop' jhkn of
ncttjpefirft argument, to wit, that Mimfiers and Chur-
E tithes, required by law to receive and fubmit to the
lybejjprelats and their Curates , werefetled in Chrifts way
cow, F z as
as Pallors and flocks, in the juftpofleffion, Sraftua
cxercile of all ordinances of divine appointment/Thi;
f dr mater or faft is beyond all denial , for the Chur
ches of Chriftin Scotland, before and at the Prelate!
late entry among us, in the Yean 662. were, foi
the generality of rhem > furnished with Paftors, anc
in the pcffefiionofall ordinances; The debate ther^bi
Will run upon the;*// of trm conftitution , that wasty
exiftent and in being at thePrelats introduction: a
gaioft which there is nothing > that can with any
colour of reafon be objected, butoneofthefethree
Obj. i. Prelacy was wanting in that conftitution
, which it should have had? Anf> i. To the validity
c of this obje&ion, itmuft iirft be made out , that
Prelacy, as it is eftablished by law, and in ufe and ex
ercife, among us, at this day, is of divine right, o
an otficeiuftiruteinthe wordofGod; which is no
yet done, and for any thing we have yet feen, ne
ver Willi Let our adyerfaries in this great debaic
, confider the reafons and exceptions we have given it
againft ir\, and anfwer them : yea , we undertake t<
provcthat it is not only without, but againft the wort
.of God. z> We ask at the Patrons of Prelacy, whe
thcr they judge it efTencial to the conftitution o
the Minifteriaf political Church ? If they jud^e i
cfiential , doth ic not neceffaiily follow , that all th
Reformed Churches of France t Holland V Sec. ar
no minifterial Political Churches; and that all ordi
4nantes difpenfed in them are Nullities ; yea that th
Churches of the vallyes ofPiemont, called the Albt
''genfes » ( which by all hiftorians h3ve their origins
deduced from the Apoftles,; were not fuch , feinj
. $ the wnfcffioQ of all > they never had Prelacy fiou
thci
(8sO
:hcirbeginingof Chriltiamty to this day | which is ,
:ontrare.'tothe fenfe and judgment of our Worthy
Reformers, who ahvayes efteemed rhem pure Chur-
ches. Thetruthis> theconfequenceisfoneceffare,
chat the moft of the Prelatical party of the Church of
■ England, admit no Minifter of the reformed Chur-
ches to ofFiciat among them without reordination ;
; Dy which they fix adefperat Schifme between them
• and thefe Churches, while they defire and endeavour
•econciliation with R$mc : which fpeaks out the ten-
dency of their principles «* Ifthey think Prelacy not
jffential to the Political Minifterial Church? fas foma
I of thern do grantO then our Church conftitution, as to»
■ illetfentials, was right, our Paftores bound to feed,
<ind people to fubmit , hear and receive ordinances
rorn them; Obj. Although Prelacy be noteffential to
: :he iff*; yet it is usful and necefiare to the well being
-of the Minifterial Church f <Anf. ti As hath beca
1 "aid above , we know of no good, to which prelacy
Mislaid to be necefTare, that is not eafily attainable
without it $ yea and is not win at in the reformed
-Churches. 2. Then the former obligation on our
^Paftores and this Church muft continue ; for if Pre-
lacy be not eflential nor neceffare to the being of the
^Minifterial Churches, the obligation, whichflowes
^frora, and is dependant on it, cannot be ciifcontiou-
3r !:d by the introduction of Prelacy upon us ; it should
fctather confirrae and ftrengthen thisobligatioo, in the
tM>pinionofrfuch, t r\en diffol ve ic. 1 1 is, noqueition, the
fWforefight of this and other confluences of the like
;iO%atore , that forces the moftofthenow Pre!a:s, to
^jmaintainetheabfoluceand eflential neceilTty of Pre-
io%cy in ths Church > againft the evidence of Scripture
feij ' F$ and
(8<J.)
and Antiquity. Obj. Z. Bat what was done in the Year
1662. for the int oduftion or Prelacy in this Church,
was but a re :>o(TeiEtig her or it , that hid been eject-
ed An. 16 j8 i Anf* i. The cje£t ion of Prelacy Anno
16 2* Wis but the pqrgeing of presbytery from
Prelacy > chat had been broug.hr in upon it, after
Prelacy had been caft offby this Church in her rirft
Reformation of Religiou from Pop.ry : It is evident
from Hiftoies , the books of difciplme firft and fe-
cond a&s of Parlt. Particularly that of the Year 1 5 9 £♦
the National Covenant > and the records of the ge-
neral AtTemblies, that with the Reformation of Re.
Iigioti in doftnne and worship , Prelacy was alfo re.
moved and caft out of this Church, as an high corrup.
Hon in her government. So that from the Refor-
mation of Religion from Popery 5 Presbytery had
the firft poilelfion. It is true, the Bishops that then
were, did continue in their bishopricks , andkeeped
their plices in Park, but without allChurch power or
jurisdiction* thitth-y had formerly exercifed in the
times or Popery predomining in this Church;* And
when their Bishopricks came to vaik thoro w death i
theirplaces were not rilled wiihochets , as formerly
had been done , till Mortons Regency , who for the
legal right of their revenues (which he laboured to
enhance for his o wne ufe, and could not legally come
at , without fome shadow of them ) endeavoured
/to bringthem in ( of which he repented at his death,
as is to be feen in the hiftory of the Duglajfes*) which
occasioned a hot conceit becwixt him & the Cfturc h >
at that time, inheraffcmblies, whoftootlyoppofed
prelacie, and never gave it over , rill by law and pra-
ctice it was wholly caft out of this Church > *Jnm
(«7-)
159^ BatKingyames afterwards falling too much
in love with wordly defigns and interests, forfaci*
litating the much courted and defired fucceilion to
,the crowne of England ( to which Prelacy was thea
judged neceflare ) laboured by finifter and fubtile
iwayes, the introdu&ion of Prelacy upon the Church,
;( which then was mod averfe therefrom ) that he
gave not over his defigne in this, till he had fetledit
by law sAnno 1 6 1 z . and brought it in upon Presby^
tery : but Prelacy not being content with this efta-
blishment and exaltation, it attained torn the4fore*
laid Year, never ceafed working by itsimpoficions,
till it came to that hight of ulurpationon Church Sc
State, that procured its ruine^wwo i6j8« Allthls4s
So clear from the preceeding records , particularly
Spotfootds b'ftory ,rhit he muft be either an utter
ftrangertothefe, or els impudently malicious, that
denyerhtt. Do men think, we are fuch ignorants
of and ftrangers to thefe things , that we are not able
to difcover the vanities and lies of fome of that party 9
who have put pen to paper, and contradi&ed all this;
as the Author of the feafonablc cafe , and others, who
contrare to all evidence , will maintaine the pofldli-
onef Prelacy in thisChurch fince the reformation?
%. Supponeing Prelacies poffeffion in this Church
fince the reformation (which is notourly fals } till its
Iafte/eftionc^»woi6j8. as it was in England; yet
till its divine right be proven ■ it can clatme no jus or
right in the Church of God, whofe concerns can*
not be antiquated and profenbed by length of time ;
Other wife moft of the popish herefies ,'idolatriesand
fuperftitions, should have nigh as good clarae, for
their beiog in this Church, as Prelacy j and it is like,
F4 if«?er
(88.)
if ever Popery afme at its i eiiauration , and come any
length <owa.ds it, in thi*» Church s it will build it
icli ori chi foundation, among others^ as Prelacy
d-esthsday, mcheiawsdtabhshmgit. Obj. Buc
the Mag itiut bucg ngin Prelacy, and commanding
all to receive and iuoiriit to it , (Prelacy being, as
fome fay * a tnmg indifferent ) all should obey i
jiv,f. leaving the debat about the Magiftrats power to
th-rIaitheaciof< u ddcourfe, where it shall becon-
Cdere4 ahttle; we fay i. Whatever power the
Jvlag'ftrit hath about the Church , and her concerns
as facfi . ic is aftn&ed and fubordmated; to the
Word of God , which the greateit Patrons ofErafti-
anifrtie do yeeld » asVedeliust yeiEraftus himfelf*
and all or trutSeft: hence the Mag.ftrat may not
co «•: m3nd any thing in the Church > thatiscontrare
to, or without it ; and if he do> none are bound to
ob y fu( f) commands, as all Protectants grant; there-
fove till it be made to appear* that Prelacy is allowed
and appointed ifl the w©rd, our noa - obedience or
non fubn llhontoir, altho commanded by the Ma-
g.v'ur , caliwt be joftly condemned* It is true3 StiU
Ibigfltft i^ at much pained ito prove it to be indiffe-
rent, but on liich grounds as shake the foundation
of our faith , "the perfection of the holy Scriptures ;
and with 16 little fuccefie* as weremaine the more
confirmed mchecontrare: wo were to us, ifwehad
no letter ground* foi Presbytery, then the ftrongeft
pleaders for Prelacy ha% yet shewed for it. 2. The
MagiHrat. w;.ih the fubjeft being under the divine ob«
liga<: mm of Covenants and oarhs againlt Prelacy,
have fK> power to command ks reception, neither
can the fubjea give the obedience required > without
horrid
<89.)
horrid fin againft God : Ir infuchacafe, a power in
the Magiitrat to do, and command contrary CO"
fuch divine obligations and engagements , and an ob-
ligation on the lubjeft co obey thefe, bealTerred* i$
there not a door opened to the introduction of any
Religion whu fo-ver? And a power granted to and
eftabhshcdinthe Mag tlrac, to make void all obliga-
tion of obedience to God. <> Which i to us > is terri-
ble to think on. Are not our Ancagonifts then forced,
either to aflert this power on the Magiftrat ; Or els
to prove the mater of chefe Covenants to be finful and
unjult> and confeqaently not obligatory on this
Church? One of thefe two they ranft do , before
they can expect our obedience to the prefcntlawes
anentit* We grant, fome of that party have un-
dertaken this task, as tothelaft; but with fofmall
fruits that on a ferious and impartial perufal of their
Argueingsaboutir, we continue more confir<r»edin
the contrare > then before the faid perufal : whether:
this proceeds from our dulnefs and incapacity to
reach their arguments , or the vveaknefs of the fame »
we leave it to the unbyafTed to judge. j.WealTert,
that whatever the Magiftrat may do>either in caufing
or ditfbJveing of Church relations andengsgments ;
yet he cannot do this, iromediatlyandofhimfelf >
but by the Church; and the reafonis$ as the fixing
and eftablishing of Churches relations and engag-
ments betwixt Miniftets and Churches, doesarife
and fiow from Chrilts institutions and precepts in his
word; fothe application of thefe to individuals in
the Church, either in caufing ordiffolveing them, is
in the Church>and not in the Magiftrat: he may com,
wand the Church toaft her partiiuhis, butcannoc
F 5 doic
(90.)
do it himfelf , for the power of calling and miffioH
belongs to the Church, not to the Magiftrat ; as all
Divines ancient and moderne aflert, and as, we fup-
pofe , is fufficiencly proven afterwards.
Arg. 4» The way of the Corats entering into
Congregations puts a bar on our (ubjeftion to them ,
thac we dar not ownethera , for the lawful paftors
of this Church : for as their entry is without the
Church, and the way thac Chrift hath fetled in his
hous for that end , fo they have come in on congre-
gations , in wayes > which we judge corrupt, and
without all warrant from the Word of God , & the
practice of the primitive times : In the fearch of
Scripture, and pure Antiquity, we find, thac ordina-
tion by Miniftcrs, the ele&ion and call of the people*
was the way, by which Miniftcrs entered into con-
gregations, andnocthe inftitution and collation of
the Bishop * nor the prefentation of Patrons $ which,
as they have their pedegry and origination from Po-
pery; fa part of the tyranny of that Hierachy) fo they
are but late human inventions, derogating from, & vi-
tiating the initiations of Chnft about t hismater, and
thatfeveral wayesjas* i.This way of their entry, by
the Bishops inftitution and collation* doesfuppone,
chat their ordination does not fufficiently impower
them, to the exercife of the Miniftery, without a fur-
ther licence* which is contrare to the end of ordinati.
on,& the nature of the Minifferial power jthac>byver-
tue of its ends and the commands of Chrift, does bind
the perfons inverted therewith, (to its exercifef with^
out which > he cannot prove faithful to his Matter ,
nor attain the ends of his Miniftry , the converfion
and edification of fiancrs. it is true > the Bishops
dominion.
1
. (9I-)
dominion, in fubjeftin;; of his Creators to him, is
lengthened thereby; but it everts ciic very end an4
nature of ordma ion , due, by this device , is < nly
made to give pocenttam remotam^ not proximam. 2.
The Patiois prefencation , as it takes away the
peoples righc of elect on and confent , granted them
by Chnlt Jelus j foit fupponsordinition to g»V£ no
right to the mantainance ; or, atleatt, fulpendsit;
(tae effeft of prelentarons being, in thegrmt of
all, togiveanghcto theltipend^J which we ailert*
according to i he word? tobetheeifeft of ones being
the Pafiour of fuch a people, who, b/divinecom-
mands are bound to maintaine him m all outward
neceflanes for his incouragmenc in the work, and
etubling him co do thofe duties, both common and
fpecial, .vhich he cannot do wuhoucit^ To fay, one
is the P-iftour of fuch i congregation; and yet hath
nocjult right to the provided maiotinance, isagainft
the com nands of Chnft , and the practice of the
Church in many ages, But, as this isamongftthe
many other pieces of flivery, unto which men,
throw ambition andluft, have fubje&edihe Church
ofChriltj fo the Curats, entering this way, wecan-
not receive, nor give up ourfelves to them, as our
guidsand Paftours under Chrift.
%Arg, 5. M ,ny Congregacions,nto which the Cu-
rats are entered, are under a ftanding obligation to
their former Paitours; not only on the account of
thepalioral relation betwixt them > but for the en-
gagments they cane under to fuch , in iheir call and
reception of them { which is not diiloived by any
thinu we have yet feen: fare we are, theMagiftrat
can not do it : Qbu Salomon > for the Came of Trea*
fo«
(90
fon, Committed 'by Ab'mbar againft the flaw, ba-
nished him from jerufalem , ( where the Tabernacle
was) and Confined him to lAnathotb , his owne in-
heritance , by which he habitually difinabled him >
from exercifing the priefts office: Therefore Magi-
ftrats may depofe and exautorat the Minifters of
theGofpel. *Anf* How wide and inconcluient is
thisconfequence? it is only fa«din the text i.Kjngsz
26 > 27. that heremoved him to Anathotb, which is
but a Civil fentence. Obj. z> It is faid vers 27. chat
Solomon thruft him out from being prieft unto the
Lord. Anf. Solomon did this confecuthe , and not
formaltier; it was a neceffare confequent ofhisde-
ferved fentence or banishment , to which he was
bound, on the jultice of the fentence, toyeeldand
fubmit: a confequent that will neceflarlie follow on
the deeds of others, to whom our adverfaries will
notgrant the formal power of exautorating of Mi-
nifters; fuppone 3 man by fmiting, or aphyfician
byadrniniftring unwholfomephyfick, do habitually
difinablea Mimiierto the exercife of his minifttie;
will it therefore follow* thathedoeth depofe him
from his miniftrie, or hath the formal power of fo
doing? No wayes. And feing the Scripture is plaine
in shewing the accomplishment of the Lords
word > fpoken againft the houfe of Elk by Samuel > in
removing of Ahiatber, and in him, Elk's houfe,
from the High - prieft - hood ; and alfo the way how
ic was done; not by a formal fentence of deprivation
devefting Abiathcrof his office, but by a civil fentence
of confinement to Anathotb* that necefiarly remo*
ved him from the Tabernacle, and difinabled him to
4q his office there » why do men contend f But am*
bicio*
(9J)
bition to gaine its defigne will keep at any hold, hortf
weak/bevcr* Obj. 3. As this deed of Solomons did
difcharge Abiatber ot his former ryes and obligations,
to the exerctfeof this office in the Tabernacle , and
opened a door for bringing in another priefi in his
roome;fo we think the IVbgittrats fentence now does
the fame, to the ejected raimfters > feing they are
boiKid to fubmit to civil fentences , and the Church
may not want Paftours. Anf. Although we yecld the
Antecedent* yet we deny the consequent: for 1 . becaule
the parallel betwixt Atiathers ciic, and oursruneth
wyde: becaufe ( 1,) <Abhtbers fentence wasjuft,
his crime deferved it , and much more: but ours is
not fo ; as the preceding and fubfequenc reafons
make out. 2. Abiathers fentence was perfonal , and
terminated on himfelf only , and did not reach the
reftofchepreifts: oursisagainftall that do not con-
forme. 3. His was founded on a civil crime againft
the State, and perfonof the King , to wit, treafon.
Our alledged crime is Ecclefiaftick, for not com-
plying with a courfe of defection from the truth and
wayesof Chrifti to which weand all Hand engaged
by folemne Covenants and oaths , which tye us, in
our feveral capacities and (cations » to vnthftand the
eontrare corruptions , now brought in upon us. '4. }
Abiathers punishment, to which he was formally
fentencedi was purely civil j confinement tofucha
place: Ours, altho icbep2rtly civil , yet is mofcly
Ecclefiaftick ; ( which is not within the power of
theMagiftrat) we are not only robed of our lively-
hoods and cohtined;but inhibited theexercifeof our
Miniftrie, and ftated by fentence, in a habitual cef-
fation from the exercife of ic , which is truely depri-
vation
vation. ( < ) Ahtathcrs fentence and punishment
Was not nflidtd, in a rime of defection, and for
w rhlbndir gofit: ouis is pafTed in fuc hat' me, and
for refitting of the fame, and out of defigne , onour
Fukrsf ait,tocariy on their intended deft &ton. 2.
The wicuous commands, fentences and punishments
of men ( w here invincible force is not) does not un-
tye our obligations to God and menjthatwe by
the authority of Cod are under t for ferving of him
and others in our day.
Arg. 6. Jf congregations have ajuft right and
powei ofeleftir-gard calling of their Mmifters; then
thofe that come in upon them without this , are not
to be tPeemed their Pafiours , nor to be fubjefted to
as fuch by congiegations , but to be withdiawn
from: But here it is To; the Ctratt shave entered on
congregations , without this eleflion and call of the
people, their juft right and priviledge. All the de-
pat will be about \ht Antecedent of the firfl proportion,
which to us is clear from Scripture and puielt Anti-
quity, as our orthodox Divines prove againft the Pa-
pifts. All that Bellarmin hath to fay to this, is the
power of the Church to alter and change theie and
other things of the like nature, the very anfwerof
cur advei lanes: but how or from what this is made
good, is not yet showne us: Antiquity isfo clear
and full in this * that it is a wonder, that they> who
plead fo much for prelacy from it, can be able to caft
it here : if the Prelacy, controverted among us , had
but half of the evidence from Antiquicie » that the
peoples ri^ht and po werof election hath $ it had go n
far to have dt termined the que ftfon in its behalf>with
fome chat yet ftand aloofe from it : this shews, it is
nor
(9*0
notthe evidence or inevidence of arguments, that
refolves many, anentthe debats of trufe times ; but
intereft and luft that fweys them more, then the love
of truth. But more of this afterwards.
Arg. 7. Hearingof, fubiriting to, & receiving
of ordinances fiom the Curates alone , and not from
others , is enjoyned by law? and required as the figne
of our compliance with, and fubjefting to the pre-
fentlawes, bringing in and eftablishing of Prelacy,
with other corruptions, which we dare not owne.
Hearing, and receiving ordinances from fuch, hath
a twofold bar put upon it to us; an unqualified in-
ftrumentorobjeft; andtherefpeft that by the law
it is made to have to the corruptions obtruded upon
this Church, as the figne of our compliance with
and fubje&ion to thefe. The command of Cod a-
bout hearing, does conftitut the objeft and inftru-
ment ( what and whom ) we should hear: As we
a re not to hear all doctrines, but thefe that are foundj
fo we are not to hear and receive all , that pretend to
come in Chrifts name , but thefe , of whofe million
we have fome rational evidence ; at leaft againft
which, we havenojuft exceptions. This, as to the
Curatsjismadeoutbythe former arguments. But
befidesthis, the figne appointed and determined by
the law , and required of all in this Church , is that
they not only withdraw from , and do not hear the
ejeftedandnon-conformeMimftersi but that they
hear and fubmit to Minifters , that comply with and
enter into this Church, by the Prelates: which to
us makes hearing and receiving of ordinances from
them , a practical approbation of, and compliance
with Prelacy , and other corruptions , contained in
the
(9<S.)
the law: forfuch is the connexion between the figne
and the thing fig ru tied , that he thatyeelds to give
the figne > doth in ail rational conltruftion approve
the thing Ggmfied* 0£j. But hearing and receiving
is a duty commanded by God , which being fo3 can-
not ceafe to be fiich by the Magiftrats command en-
joyning \t?Anf. In this anfwei our Opponents do or-
dmarly triumph j but to unfold its vanity and infuf-
ficiency in this mater > let it be considered, r; That
Gods law in conftituting of duty does not only de-
termine the act 5 but the objefts and inftruments , a-
bout and by which t they are co be exert i(ed,& with-
out which they arc not dwy , norsfts of obedience
toGodjfothacis not the a&fimpiy , thuis made a
duty, butmitsrefpeft to fuch and fuch objefts and
inftruments ; as for wftane'e , praying is a duty* not
limply in it felt coofidered ; but in its refpeft to God
in his fon Chnft jefus > for fuch and fuch things , he |
commands and allows in his word.; foit is in hear-
ing 9 whofe objeft and inftrurr. ent muft be fuch as is j
appointed in the word \ other ways it is not duty,
but in many cafes > apofitive fin; for the commands
of God about hearing, do reftriftit, inksob/e&s
andinftrunhftus, without which 5 it is not duty; foi
that we muft carefully fee > what it is we hear, and,
whom. Letouradverfariesfirftanfwer ourformer;
arguments^ add prove that they 3rethofe5 whom by j I
the commands of God we are appointed to tteafj I
and we shall yceld. 2. The thing comroandedbyi,
the MagifcraMn this cafe and mater,is not a duty ; letj 0
them prove it that a(Tert this. We grant, hearing 6fJ
the Gofpel, and receiving of the ordinances, isL
a duty i butonlyasitfuppons and takes in lawfullyL
called]
(97-)
called and fent Miniftery ( known to be fuch, ) to
whom the difpenfationof the word is commited:
none will fay>it is a duty to hear the word and receive
ordinances from thofe, that are not fent > or have no
juft authority to difpenfe the fame: the Magilirats
' commands in his prefent laws, reftri&s hearing of the
word: & receiving of ordinances to fuch & iucblin-
' hibitmg theleas to others;which commands not hav-
I ing the due inftiuments appointed by God irrthe per-
formance off his du'y?do not er.joyu a duty btr a (id.
; Obj. 2. If the Prelatsfc their Curats be Miniiiersof
the Gofpel; then they arc to be htard, & ordinances
should be received from them ; for the Minifterial
1 power gives to the perfons inverted therewith not
only a right to preach the word &difpenfe ordinances,
&maketh their a&s valide; but it binds them to the
^doingof thefe; andall others to fubmit to them in the
1 exercife of their power: as is apparent in all relations t
[* & the mutual duties,that the perfons under them owe
ls 'to one another •, fo that if Minifters be bound to pre-
h achtheGofpeU and difpenfe its ordinances, the
-s people muft likewi.fe beoblidged to hear and receive
;S ordinances from them? Anf, Albeit we should yeeld
f° ;he Prelats and Curats to be Miniliers;to the denying
Npf which, they have given and do give to n -any> too
Bcr taiuch ground > by their open avowed perjury, enmi-
ty ( y at and oppoficion to true godlinefs ; their renunc-
ir»'!ngof Jefus drift for their immediac Supream head,
^ >y fubjefting themfelves to another foraign: Suoream
i'et|n the Church; and their wicked and flagitious lives )
8°'Vet the co ifequence will not hold: for. i. The true
pte ofthe queftion is , whether we should receivefe
librou to them>as the lawful! v called&appropriarPa-
G ftors
(980
ftors of this Church ; vchich for the former and fub-
fegu&itrtaion* wedeny: And we would gladly lee
bow they will prove it, for although intruders upon
the Church be Mi"ifters,yet their intrufion puts a fuf-
jfic «em bar on peoples reception of and fub million to
them •, as we have made out both in thefi & in hyfo+
theft: wherefore ipTfb far } as hearing 6c receiving of
ordinances from Prelatical Minifters 5 in our cafe , is
an acknowledgment of this, werefufeit. 1. Peoples
obligation to fubmflion to Minifters , does not im-
inediatly flow from the being of the Minifterial
power aftd authority, in thofe cloathed therewith;
there a -e > befidesthis, other things that muftcon«
cur ro ;he caufing ofchis obligation , which, if they
be wanting* Will make it void, or ar leatt fufpend
it; as the ratio a! evidence of its being in perfons
pretending to MieMioifteryj the removal ofjuftim-
pediments > the Churches callj Sec. fo that there are
fomethings either phyfical or moral , thatJ if they
fall rut , will fufpend this obligation in a8ufccundo9
vvh»ie it cemainq in aHuprimo ; as inability of body,
juftfufpenfionforatime, fundamental herefies, in-
ruGon* &c. now many of thefe being exiftenton
the part of the Prelats and their Curats > inourprc-
|eritcafe s we Sndeourftlves under no divine obliga*
tion 10 hear and receive ordinances from them. We
jjiaUaoc here urge the judgment andpra&ice of our
worthy reformers a.ent the Romish Priefts, Jefuits*
and others in orders, among them * who fuftained >
th? validity of ordinances difpenfed by fuch ; and yet
held, thurhey should not be heard, nor ordinances
received fro a them. The inltance of the pharifics
and the icribes> Mattb. 23. will not be found to mi-
ll tat
(99<)
litatagainft thrs> till ir be ir.adeout, thattheywere
intruders , which yet none hath done.
±Arg. 8. It is oi i-o little weight ions, when
added co the former , that rhe teneral. :y of thefe vio-
lenciy thruft-in oncongr« aacions , ace Qither infuf-
i ficent or fcandaJous ; (creatures we corf': s fitted
forcanying on or" the Fitlats defigres, againlUhis
i Churchand us ) by Vvhom the poor people were,
I and yet are in hazard, throw ignorance, Prophanr es>
\ Atheifme, and a Sp:rit ofdclufion, abounding in
allcomers of this La.'d: who, in ftead of preventing
; and curein^ of the fame , do rather further andad-
■ vancethefe Church, defiroying evils; as we donoc
I make per fonal fcandal , oficfelf? a (ufflcient ground
I of withdrawing from ordinances, drpeniedby aMi-
j nifter, guilty thereof; yet when thefe are found in
\ thecarnageofthofe, whofeentry is corrupt, and fuch
\ as cannot be juftifyed, we cannot but think ourfelves
i under ftraiter tyestobe ware of, and flv from fuch:
( partly becaufe of the little or no ground we have to
expeft any fpiritual advantage from their admimftra-
• tion of holy things : and partly for the precepts we
: find in the word for avoiding and shaning of fuch
• Philip. 3. with many others. Shall we give up our-
• felvs co the guidance and conduft of luch > in the
iwayesoflife* having nothing to engadge us there-
ito, but the meer pleafure and will of men > who,
5i (| we know > are carrying on corrupt defignes, tending
I i to the overthrow of Religion in its purity & power f
nWhacafollyandmadnefs were this f Itisfaid, that
a \ our charge , in this 3 is falfe and unjuft. But we ap-
peal to the experience and obfervation ofthegenera-
& lliey of Profeflburs in this Church, good and bad ,
a \ G z who
(IOO.)
who have been & are witneifes to their deportments.
Arg 9 Bwfidts thefe there were feveral things, in
the&^eJcaleof th/Jtime j and ihecircumliancesof
it , that withheld j and yet withhold us , horn iub-
je&ingtothe pretares aid their curates; which we
Wish were laid to heart by all as they are concerned.
As I. For making wayto the introduction of prela-
cy , the very foundations of civil govern a ent were
shaken and unhinged, by the difannuliigand res-
cinding ot fuch a feries of Parliaments , for many
years, in the moft of which , there wtre, accord-
ing to ancient cuftomes and lawes , all that , a-
roongft us , is held and repuced effential to the Con*
ftitution of Parliaments. By this deed not only the
Conftitucion of former Parliaments are ftruck at * but
(as is to be feen in the reafons given for it, in the aSt
refcijjorie) a preparative is made, for the changing of
the Government, by any that, in after ages, have
a minde for , and power to effeft it. Although the
Parliament of E«gfW , at that time, was as highly
prelatical, and as much made for the Kings defignes
as ours; yet rh?y forbore fuch a deed, anent the
Long -lived -Parliament, albeit they had the fame
reafons and grounds tor it, that we pretended. 2.
This change made in the Church, was accompanied ,
and yet is, with fuch afpeat ofenimity at , and op-
pofmon to true godliries, in its neceflare exercifes $
that the perfons t hat favoured any thing of Religion ,
fobricry and confcience, came under a cloud , and
weredifcountenanced , even from rhe highdi to the
Ioweft,as perfons not fit to be intrufled in any place of
office or power : while thefe that were known to be
afdiflblute lives, and given to all forts of wickednes ,
were
(ioi.)
weremu h made of, countenanced and intrufted, as
the only confidents of the time ; from whence it
came to pafs , that wickednefs and prophinicy rinding
it feJf encouraged > and reyns loofed to it , abounded'
in all parts of "the land, to the s>rief of the truely god-
ly , aid the great fcanJal of the Proteftaiu reformed
religion at home and abroad. It it were not for too
nvich prol x ty, this might be madeto appear from a
multitude of undenyable , but lamentable inftances ;
which for brevities fake we forbear, not loveing to
ftir in this hlthy puddle, g. As to the Government
ot the Church in particular , the cafe was wholly al-
tered, from that of our worthie PredeceilorSjin the
former Prelats time: for,, as prelacy was thenlub-
tilly brought in upon them, bydegrees. andnotall
at once-, lo they continued in the pofleffionofthe
Government of the Church , that had been fetled
bylaw, and never legally or actually difinabled to
m-et , and exercife the fame, in their fixed and ordi-
I nare judicatories : but continuing as formerly in
Presbyterated meetings, had the Prelats thruft in
| upon them; as is evident from hiftory, even of Spotif-
| wood-, But in our cafe, Prelacy is at the firft raifed
I bylawtoitsgrcateft height: ; Presbytery difcharged,
j cashiered and eje&edouc or this Church * alllawcs
• for it > either in late or former times , being difanul-
j ed and abrogated; the meetings of Minifters in their
fixed Presbytenal and Synodic3l affembhes inhibit-
ed, under fevere penalties by afts of Councel , which
became founiverfally obeyed, that Presbytery had
neither a legal nor aftual being, in the time that Pre-
lacy was erected & brought in upon this Church: So
that at its a&ual introduction, we were, conforme to
G 3 lawes,
(iozj B I
Lawes, required to come in-, fubmitto, and con- J|
cur with tne government tetfea by them, which
was purely Prclatical and Er:flim. They that deny
this mull concradift thelaw, and make thelawma-
kers liars, if chelaws and a&ings conforme thereto
havea-ry fenfe t that may be rarionalhe deduced the-
r :froii. ttzricz* whit was r qui red was directly
com rare to our principles & known judgment, which
to this day , vvfcnevier faw any convincing reafons , to
make us relinquish, Here we cannot , butcompkan
of the oa! >abie injulbce', done us by the Author of
thzfeafohabte cafe ( falsly fo called ) who concrare co
all evidence, makes tne cafe now and then alike*
But notorious lies and untruths muft bemadeufeof
to rill up the roomeof truth, fo shamefully defert-
ed by that party. 4*The government of the Church
that then was, was by law totally fubverted, and
Prelacy brought in its place, at and by the meer
authority of the King; the government thereof by
a preceedmjj, law or act being wholly put into his
hands', ( the authority of Parliament mterpofedaf-
terwards for the establishing of prelacy > being by
this only corroborative and precarious j ) asif. it were
only of his (ramemg and making, and had no higher
derivation* , but that of humane authority ; which
we look upon , as an high derogation of the Regal
and Supream authority of Chr ft Jefus, the alone
Heaiani K mg of his Church; and a dreadfull pre-
funpt;on n changing the lavs and ordinances , ena-
cted and inftituted by Him in hishoufe ; which all
Chriltian^ , especially Pro:eftants , efteem facred
and inviol-ble. Can we, according to the principles
we have received and drunk in , from the word of
the
(IO?')
the liveing God, allow ot this forme ofGovern-
\\i ipencchis way introduced into the Church? Tiiofe
y that Jove ea e , and things of this world , luay h;nk
• |i ligjitofall; but it is not fo to us, whoare, through
grace, refolvcd too wne no oth:r Head of that body,
( thenChrift Jefus ) of whom we profefieourfelves
members. The recent and fr:sh m mory of che Na-
tional and Solemne League and Covenants $ under
th j tye of which this Nation and Church came of:e-
ner then once; all rankes and degrees ofperfons,
Noble aid Ignoble, f;omthe Kings Majeliy tor he
lowed Subjeft , being folemnly cngadged thereby
| againft the evils and corruptions ejected by them*
The obligation of which had been enforced > and
legally fecured by a continued feries of iawes and
;praftifes, for a longtime, trnt feemed ro promife
I all imaginable fecurkie, to the work of Reformati-
on , ag inft the outmoft alTaults of its adverfaries :
i nothing was lefc undone , that could be attempted by
rational men in this cafe. Whileall thefe thing- were
inbeingj andiecentin the memory of ail , athorre
and abroad, ar one dash, info little a time, to raze
to th:: foundations, all the fo.mei fupe'ttrudiute,
, and build up the contrary and chit bv perfons, who,
:( for their generality ) had been foaftive for, andfo
deeply engadged in former proceedings, h ftrange
to think on ; efpecially confidering the verbal fecu*
rities , and engagments madj unto us, immediarly
before this change. We fay, m this oik , to give the
concurrence and complyance required , in jcyninsj
with and receiving the Prelats and their C; eaturs, is,
beyond all queftion,?n approving of all that was done
contrary to our foed judg rents 5c thefe obligations ^
G 4 wc,
0°40
we, with thereftof this Church came under. Let
any man of conference put himftlf in our cafe, & fup-
pone our judgment & principles to be his owne ; and
theri let h<m judge , if he would not Hnde himfelf ne-
cdlnated to carry, in this matter > as we have done.
Ob] Some affcrt that they, never having taken on the
perfonal obligation of the Covenants , are not bound
by them>for which they offer irrefragable arguments,
but yet fee it fit to hold them in. jlnf. Ho wcv< r there
are two things we are fure of i TirjU AllM,nilkrs,
that entered into the Church in \ he time of Pu sbyte-
ry> were taken engadged fcr the government of the
Church>that then was, in oppofiron to Prelacy; and
in or near the time thatprtlacy was a bringing in into
this Church, Minifters in many Presbyteries & Sy-
nods, declared their refolutionsioradhereingtoPies-
bytery, that then was in being, & had been extrcifed
in this Church, for many years preceedine that fine;
but it is like (as their after carriage did make our j rhkc
thefe are knots they can eafily loofc •, feing thty are >
able to mafter & overcome far greater. Nm.That
Church Covenants intheipatcrsofGod, which by
venue of divine commands & inttuutions do antece-
dently bind,doobleige all in the Church, both in the
, time or afterwards ; and that with this adventitious
and fupervenient obligation of a Covenant , bef.de
the former. He hath a ftout confcienc*e that will get
this denyed, it is fo evidently manifeft from Deut. 29;
10. &c. they mull be arguments of iron & fleHl, that
will break this Scripture in pieces. Thefewho afTeit
the contrary, shall do well to try their ft rength * on
what the anfwerer of Mr.GilbcrtBurnets tiifl citalogucs
bath on thisSubjeft;tbac have not yet received a reply.
But
(ioy.)
But it feems ft is a piece ornewpoltcy, to make up
the weaknefs ot aiguments, with big (welling wo. as.
WemLht here confider a iictlc ( if our purpo'cd
brevity could permit it) what one, in a certame
mattufcript , hath undenakvn ro prove in ievera! pro.
politions ; but his miftaking of the qucftion in the fe-
cond propofit on , mak-b us eafy work ; it being
anuth we do not deny, and in which we clofe with
our predeceiTours : (o that all his citations c fours arc
tonoeffeft : for we grant that the fin of fellow wor-
shiped isnojult ground for withdrawing hom pub*
lift ordinances , where th;re is no ju(t exceptions
belidej wilhc from thence follow, tha: we should
fubrait to and hear the Cuiates in our prcfent cafe?
werouft hav^ other arguments then any he there pro-
duceth. before we fi.bjeft to fuch: neither is it a luf-
ficient argument , he uieth in the 6. propoficion ;
that they are Minifters of Jefus Chnft : Suppone ic
befo, yetrhecoi fequenceis wide; wea^keatthem,
iftheyihmk it lawful to hear and receive oidirances
fiom ourtj cted and inhibited Minifters t Jf they
do ; how comes inhat they do not hear our Mini-
fiers, but diffwade the people ^om it > If they judge
hearingof us unlawful ; they mull either fay that our
Jvlinifters are no Jvlwifters; or els that Mmiliersmay
be withdrawn from and noth:ardj although they
be Mmiftcrs of Chrift Jtfus: and confequently it
will follow from thcirown opinion, andpraflice
anentus, that theiearefome things for heaiing and
receiving of ordinances , from any perfon , befide
there being Minifters of Jefus Chrift : Or els the
chargeoffchifme, and reparation , will fall as heavy
onchemfclvcs9for not hearing and receiving of ordi-
G 5 nances
(ioS.)
nances from our Mfnifters , as on us- But enough
of this. Whoever reads chit manufcript, will rind ic
fiifficiently^nr<veredin tnis shore touch, for all his
argueings are aga-nit his o wne shadow, and mifle the
mark ru should shoot ar.
To shut up chs wearyfo-ne and unpleafmtfub-
). c\ i In the lull place , we are charged with all the
profanity, wickednefs and enormous pra&ices, that
arecommited, and do, Gnce the erection of Prelacy ,
abound in ch^ Land: yea our meetings for worship,
(now branded with the anciently odious name of
Conventicles* with which affemblies of Chriftians
in the primitive times were noted , and defigned by
their perfecutouis ) are given out and reprefented
to the world, as the caufe induftive to thefe horrid &
abominable fcandals, which are boldly aflferted to be
afted & coramited at them, in a paper of greivances,
given in from theDiocefariSynod ofG/^oaynPrelac
Ligbtons time,and prefented to the then Kings Com-
miilioner, theDw/^of Lawdcrdal , and the honou-
rable privy Councelj by the parfon oiGlafgotvy Mr.
Arthur RoJJe, and now Prelat of ArgiU> that impu-
dent and viperous Calumniator , who, from the
pulpit, & other places, ufeth to father all the fcandals
of the time, on our party and their meeting? Jnf.
pafllngthatPrelats malicious and venemous railings
againil us ( as not worthy of our notice) whofe not-
our and Uianifeft lies, his bitter involves, and ill
grounded aflertions $ ( which nor only fpeaks his
heart and tongue to be fee on fire of hell , but renders
him diflkedand odious to many of his owne party )
we fay. i. From whence can^e that fearful dfluge
of all forts pf profaraty and wickednefs,that filled the
Land >
(107.)
6efore, at, 8c after the lait erection of Prelacy, and for
aconlideiaole time, when thjre were rewornp Gon7
vcncicles ? W~ hww not to .^etten.f and we hope,
the folder and humble, chat inourm; for.. the abamma-
tionsldope in che midftof us, will not ) w.th whit a
Spirit of 1 npiene prelacy entered into this Churcn ,
and followed it , for a longtime: could our meeun^s
for worship ( :al,ied ConvwticLsyje ihecauie of chile,
whenthw wee ioc>an ihid noca being? 2.Wcbeg
of ouroppofites* that they wiilaillgneusthctauteofj
the open re;gning Icandal.s, found in them tha: follow
not oar meetings, but keep and adhere to theirs , efpe*
daily in the places, where there are no Conventicles*
but anumverfal fubje&ion to Prelacy? That tUere
are fuch impieties reigning withoutany control , in
thjfe parts, is palt all denyal ? And whit willour
adversaries give for th~ caufe of thefe? Surely they
cannot, with any shew of reafon, Father them on our
meetings. 3. Is it not obferveible , yea obferved
by all » that 1 in places drowned in ignorance 5 lin
and wickednefs , where Conventicles have come,
and at this day are in ufe, a.fenfible reformation in
pe fons and families hath enfued thereon , and tnat to
the retraining of thefe fcandalous impieties, that pre-
vailed in thefe bounds before, and thesiumeing of
thefe that yet live in them: cantrut be.checauteof
fcandals, that inexperience, is alwayes found to
be the effl&ual means of reftraining and removing
of them? 4. While we call our eyes about us, to
difcover the grounds, on which they fix this greivous
and heavy charge, it does noc appear to us iomuck
as to give the leaft decree of probability to it ; y ea *
the evidence of the concrare is fo clear and full , that
we
( io*. ;
we cannot think, ouradverfanesdobeleeve themfel-
ves in thefe and other reproaches, they load us vvich.
Sure we are, they cannot binde this chaige on the.
doft nnes we profefle , and are preached in our meet-
ings , which are contained in our printed Confeifions
of faith f longfinceeroited to the world > efpeaally
intheConfefhonoffauh > the larger and shorter Ca-
tech'.fmes, compofed by the Affcmbly of divines at
Weft Minjler. We earneftly beg of our Antsgoniits 9
thit chey will give inthnces, in any of thefe doctrines,
(if they can) that of themfclves do tend to licenci-
ouinefs and profanity ? Upon a review of the whole
of oar do&rine , in its feveral parts , we cannot pitch
upon one, except the doftrine of juftiflcation by faith
only , throw the alone merits and blood of Chrift
Ielus, maintained by all proteitants , except fome>
who of late do affcrt the intercft of good works, as a
preexiftenc condition of a finners jutiification before
God, which yet is not direftlyandpofitivdy done,
but by indireft wayes and hints, as is to be feenin
Mr Gilbert Bumets rirft dialogues, Pairickjhe Pilgrim,
and the Author of the wholt duty of Man, who refol-
ve a finners juftification before God, in his ferious
purpofeandenieavour of good woiks, atleaft, as a
preex Rent condition of it : which is not only againft
thedoftrineof all proteftanrs till of late (as is to be
feen in their writings ) but direftly againft the great
Apoftle Paul, in his Epiftles to the Romans and GaU
Utians • whofe arguments in that mater, when our
adverfaries have anfwered them, we shall confider
at more length* All the reafonsthey give for this
charge, from the head* are fo fully anfwered by thit
Apoftle in die 6. Chapter of the Epiftle to the Ro-
mans,
(M09J
mans , and 2. to the Galatians towards the clofe, that
we judge it needlelle to inGit any furcher on this. Wc
do not charge all of thePrelatical paity with this
corrupt do&nne-, foroeof thero , particularly doftor
Tw//y, hath fo clearly and fotndly aflattd and vindi-
cat the doftrine of Proteftants m th s mater, againft
the exceptions and arguments of the contrare minded,
that he if living deferves t hanks from all theProteRanc
Churches ofChrift,in this and other parts of the Chri-
flian world: A do&rine that hath been efteemed funda.
mentall arrong them > and given as one great cha-
rafteriftick betwixr us and Papifts ; yta , it ha. h been
looked epon as the note and flgne of ihcrefurgentis
autcadmtis e€clejia> as she holds to or departs from
the fame. We are not fo antiprelatical , as net to
love truth , wherever we find it , and the alTcrtor
thereof for its fake j although differing from us, in
form other things. 5. ] t is thought fufficitnt ground
for this charge, that force, yea many of the perfons
that come to and haunt our meetings , are found not
to be confeientious and Chi iftjan in their walk , but
flagitious, or, in many of their prattifes , fcanda'ous ?
We canuc t think our adverfarits ate ftrious in this, 8c
dobeleeveasthey fpeak, feing. (i) This does fall
as heavy, and will, to onlookers, reflect as much ,
and more , on the objeftors themfelves , as onus;
whofe meetings for worship are found to be the Gnck
of all debauched and protaine peifons thorow the
Land; csntruyrefufe this i It is like, the forcfighc
of this forced them to fay , in their lybel of greivan-
ces againft us, thac the alorrinations mentioned in
one Article, were comrnited at our meetings, and
not by perfons prefent at them i otherwifc their af-
femblies
{ no; ;
femblies for worship should have been as chargeable
■therewith , as ours: but in this our Antagonifts are
like to the perfecutoursoftheChnftia >sin rhepri-
nntive times, who charged them for having thefe or
the like . brmrat ions con mited at their alTemblies,
.as is to be ken in Crunh HiRories. The Lord deliver
usfiOiP, and rebuke the lying Spirit, thacisentered
'into and { oiLileth ihai.y. (iJ) But if ^heprefence of
picked and fcibdalpus perfons, at the sflemblies of
Thriftist.sfoi hearing efthe word, and peiforming
*of other 2fts of worship, be futfeient ground for
chargeinq the wickednefTe* and impietKS of fuch on
them, as the c^ufe induftive toicandals; will not
theatTemblies, thatChrft his ApoftlSpsa Vumfters
abdChriftiansket pcdinal) cges, be as lyabletothfS
charge, as we> who excluded none , bm admired
all to the hearing pf t{ie word , an J fome oth.r atts
ofworshp, as is rr.anif eft from Seizure and Hi-
ftory? whatever our adveifaries will fav for clearing of
Chrifticfus, hs A ponies , &c. wrjifl .acquit us, ($-)
Do not men know, that in preaching of the Gofpel
to fibbers, we should deftgneaud labour their conver-
fion, as much as the edification of the converted?
Is not the Gofpel , wjth which Mimfters areunruft-
ed, the mean and : o wer nk' Coa to the one, as well as
to the other? Andfeing thisisour defigne, as it hath
been our practice, fo it is oiirrefoluuon, not to ex-
elude any from our alTemblies , how wicked foever
ffiey h ive been, or are: Truth is, to gharge us and our
meetings, with the finnes and fcandals of thofe that
frequent the fan e , is ro reproach the Gofpel of
Chnft, and to Father all the wickednefle of its hearers
onic, concrare to its grand defigne,whichistofave
finners
on.;
fintiers from fin, and all che miferies that follow
upon it.
Sect. V.
Some Rjafons > why the Indulgence was not
accepted.
IN the next place, we come to the head of che /w-
dufgcnce, the not allowing of which > hath been re-
prefented, as a full evidence of our pivish # wilful,
and ftiffdifpofition to unpeacablenefs and difloyalcy ;
but we hope , when our carriage, in this marer , is
feriously thought upon, and the reafons that deter-
mined us to this refufal , are weighted in the balian-
ces of che fanftuane $ this charge will be found light:
and we are confident, that upon trial , it willap-
i pe3r, we are notagainft,buc with all.expreflionsof
1 thankfulness shall be ready to irtertaine, and receive
any l.bertie for the Gefyel its true intcrcft , and our
felves (thatisconfiftent with our known principles)
rhac the Magiftrat shall be plealed to grant us. We
look uponit, as an unjuft Rate of theqjeftion, in
this mater, which hath been offered by fame : whe-
ther the Magiftrat, jure, may , or have it within
the compafs of his Magiftratical power , to give
liberty , to Minifters and people , for ferving and
worshiping of God in hjsSonChrift lefus , accord-
ing to his word; this we do not deny , butchear-
fully grant , that although the exercife of Church po-
wer, that is properly fuch, be independent on the
Magiftrat $ yet the peacable exercife of it iscruely
from him : it belongs to him > no doubt , co en.
courage ,
(112.)
courage, countenance and proteft the Church, a-
gamft all enemies? and to relieve herofoppretiiou
when under ir: to this he is in powered, andobhdg-
ed , borh as a Migiftrat and as a Ghriftian. Neither
isic withusaqueiiion, whether the Magdirat may
command iWinifters to the duties of their fun&ion;
nor whether he may exeem them from the hazard of
fuffering, to which they are obnoxious by law, for
their non - conformity ; nor yet whether he may con-
fine Mmifters, (imply and abftraftedly coofidered
from our prefent cafe ( which is only proper to the
Magiftrat , and not all to the Church.; All thefc
and much more we yeeld to the Magiftrar>about per-
fones and maters Ecclefiaftical, according to the
Word. But the true ftate of the queftion to us , is ,
whether the Magiftrat Jure Magiflratico may of him-
felfandimmediatly without the Church, & the pre-
vious eleftion of the people, affigne and fend Mini-
fters to particular Churches, to take the fixed and
paftoraloverfightofthem ; prefcribe rules and dire-
ftiousto them , for the exercife of their Miniftery;
and confine them to thefaid congregations. The
queftion thus Rated being complex, andconfifting
of feveral branches? conform to theafts of Councel
liKtit the indulgence; wemuftofneceffity (forgiv-
ing a ;uft accompt of the grounds of our diflatisfa-
ftion therewith-) fpeak to them feverally^ in fomc af-
fertions with the reafons fubjoyned.
lAfftrthn Firjl f The iMagiftrat , by vertue of
his Magiftratical power, cannot of himfelf andim-
mediatly, aillgne or fend Minifters to particular
congregations 9 to takethe paftoral charge and over-
fight of them* For i. We finde not in all the Word
of
2' of God , any fuch power, given to, orexercifedby
w the Magiftrar, in trie Church : none hath yet given any
■I' inftancesof this: if there be, let them be produced,
* and we shall acquiefce . All acknowledge the
iif Church not to be foundedon the law or nature , but
foj oapofitiveinftkution, and fupernatural revelation;
of 2nd therfore not to be governed m wayes and me-
lor thods of Mens invention, but in theft that are reveal-
oo- cd by the Holy Scriptures j without which mere can-
red not be a Church; fo that she owning her being,
the conftitution , and all to them; there rouii be lome
let evident proof produced from thefe, before we can
w« yeeld to any fuch power in the Magiftrat : how
k long shall we exfped this i (z.) Alfo, werindethe
is, Church in the polTellion and exercife of this power,
IB. from the tines of the ApoiUes, to the breaking up
:::. of the reformation by Luther, and others in Germany:
> as is roanifefl from Scripture and Hiliory. We grant,
tnd there was for fome time, a confiderable debate be-
lt;, twixt the Poland the Emperour of Germany , about
ry; the inveftiture of Bishops ; which gave the rife to
fa other Princes claming ofthe fame, & feafingupon
:cg it: but what fays this to the million of Mimftcrs, &
cd Application of their Miniflery to particular ccngrega-
iv. lions/9 For as Prelacy was the invention of men, an i
iu checaufeof horrid contentions in Churches andSta-
\[§ ;cs; foneitherir, nor the praft ices occafioned there-
by, can be any regulating precedent for us: befiies,
of fn all thefe contefts about inveftiturs, betwixt the
ra. pope and Princes, the million of MinJliers was
,1ji never queft'oned, but al wayes acknowledged, as
-A. proper to the Church, and not to the Maglftratj
rj rthich will be clear to any that will be at paines to
•f H read
read Church Hiftory. ($.) The fending of Mini-
sters to particular congregations , is an aft of govern-
ment, purly and formally Ecclefiaftical , and not
Civil ; and therefore incompetent to theMagiftrat:
Let any confident, initscaufes , mater 5 objcft and
ends, and tky shall findeitf©: for the performs fen tare
Jdimflers; the work they are fenton, is to preach
the Gofpel and difpenfe its ordinances; thefe they arc
fent to , are the Churches of Chrift ; the end for
which they are fent to fuch , is to gather in and per-
fect the body of Chrift ; this is finis opens. We know
of nothing that jcanbefa>d againft this \ But that ie
is not purely Ecciefiattick in tbe efficient capfe .«> uinf.
To this we reply , Firfi > That all uie in morals to
fuftaine the validity of the Arguments , taken from
the nature of the a£, <otheun(iuenefsofit to fuch $
and fuch caufes : for itis by the rerpeft of fpch afts in
morals, to their mater, objefts and ends, that the
bounds are deter nrined, and fet to then) iruheir effici-
ent caufes; for inffance , if the mater $ objeft & ends
dfanaft be properly civil , it is granted by all, to be
Jindue or incompetent to a Minifitr of the Gofpel^ &
fo of other a&stm their jmora! fpecifica! diftinftiorjjby
which , in the law .cf God, they are aligned & made
due to fuch and fuch efficients. But blext > Upon
this reafon > it shall be as lawful for the Magiftrat to
ordaine, and fend perfons without ordination, to
preach the Gofpel, yvhichis every way abfurd. (4.)
The fending of Mmifters to preach the Gofpel, and
to overfee Churches is an aft of the poteftative milli-
on y ( one part of the keyes of the kingdom of God )
granted by Chrift to his Church > and never to the
JvJagiftrac: from no part of the word can it be made
to
appear, that ChriR hath given this power to thr Ma-
g ftrat j vve findc it given to the Minifters ot he
Go I pel , Js/Utth 16: 19. with fevenl other' places
of Scripture : But , as to the Magiftrat* there is al-
tumfilmium But that this fending of M nifters, is
an^ft ofpxiteftativenrJH on, we-hope will not readily
k be dem\d: if any do; we ask , whether IVInifters
go to fuch congregations, on a fpeci 1 delegation
ftomChnft, more then toothers ? If they do, then
it muft flow fr.otf) this po-wer of rriH.cn in the
Church; If they go not » on this fpecial delegation,
then they run unfervt , and are not the Paftours of
thefeflocks, more then of others ; andco.nfequeotly
they have no obligations upon them to feed thefe ,
more then any other congregation: which is abfurd.
For> foefide the power of preaching and drfpenfing
of ordinances, therein alwayes afpecial delegation
of the per/on , to fuch and fuch a people > by which
foe hecomeththe Ambaffjdour & mcfftngerofChrift
» Jefus , whom they are bound to hear and fubnut to *
^asfiuch. fa.ij This aft of fending Mimftcrs to con-
* gregarions, fuppons feveral things , that are beyond
y|; the line and cognition of fhe JVIagiflrat , ^isfuch ; as
l£ the trial ofMinifters gifts ; the knowledge of the
^ fpinjtuaJ State of the congregation ;the futablnef? or
•° unfutablnefs of Minifters gifts to fuch and fuch a peo-
10 cple ; ability to judge and cognofce in thefe, as the
f) mater and eods of this work require a with many
^fliwher things, which not being granted totheMa^u
^jftrarasfuch, the work5 to which thefe are oecefTanly
0^)Wqoifire> cannot belong to him: for evtry work >
)4t^to which God calls any, hath its proper furmnreof
B^pljifcs aud abilities , without which, none is to look
;9|i Hz up^n
upon themfelves as called thereto. (6.) Some of
the great Patrons and zealous Promoters oftheMa-
giitrars power in this 3 and other things belonging to
the Church , yeeld , that this power is in , and re-
turns to the Church , when the Magiftrat is either
heathenish or heretical , zsVedelius^ yea all are con-
tained to grant it. How rational this is , and how
conGftent with their arguments ( the force of which
is thereby utterly broken) let any judge: we ask,
when this power is granted to be in the Church >
whether it comes from Chrift Iefus , or the Magi-
ftrat ? ( For a derived power it rouft be : ) It cannot
be from the Magiftrat, who does not willingly part
with any of his power; neither does religion robe
the Magiftrat of his power; nor depofe hinrfrom his
regality , and the prerogative thereof; as Proteftants
maintaine againft thePapifts: if it be derived and
come from Chrift (asie does) we defire to know ,
what way it is conveyed to her , in this cafe, and not
in the other, when the Magiftrat isChriftian? As
we finde no difference of cafes anent this mater given
in the word; fo we finde the fame inftiturions, pre-
cepts and examples therein , by which the Church is
impoweredandoblidged , to exercife this govern,
oient without the Magiftrat > to continue, not only
without any reTtriftions to times & cafes,but without
any rcpail. W e hear nothing from our ad verfaries, to
anfwer this ? but ineptta* foolish rovings. The
truth is, th Vr Arguments conclude , with as great
force, agar jft all power of government in theChurchj
under pe Waiting Magiftrats, as Chriftian ; for is
there it in this cafe the ereftingof an Empire in
an Empire > which our enemies accoundc «<rif*%
and
(H7)
i anddo not Minifters, and Chriuians , owe as much
fubjeftiontotheMagiftrat, in the one cafe, as in the
others
AJJertion 2. That the right and power of Ele-
i ftion and calling of Minifters to pai ticular congrega-
tions , is in the congregations themfelves, to whom
i" they are fent) by divine right j and not in the Ma-
r giftrat: and therefore should not have been aflumed
i by the Magiftrat, and taken thus from them* That
thispower of election of Minifters, is not in the Ma-
\ giftrat, either by divine, humane or Ecclefiaftical
i laws, needs not to be much infilled on, feing Scrip-
: tureandant quity, for a thoufand years after Chrift*
! gives not the lealt ground for it. We defire to know
\i from our Antagomfts, Prriats and Erajlians , from
ip whence came this power; or who were the givers
:: of it to the Magiftrat? When they have condefcended
I on theorginalderivationofthis power, and made ic
:: out to be /uft , then we shall confider it ; which by
*y none of thefe parties hath been yet done ; excepc
icp by Vtdclius: but on'fuch grounds, as give every parti—
ei cular member of the Church as good clame thereto*
l' as he; Zb will be evident to any that confiders his Ar-
4 guments: for Scripture and antiquity they have none.
ilp The firft part of the proportion , is that which is
)iifl( moftftuckat ; The peoples right and power of ele-
toc ftion , which is denyed by our adverfaries : but we
tel thus make it out > as our Divines have done before us.
eail(i.) From Scripture prafticeand example, ABs.it
chj 15. to the end , c£*/>.6/verf. i.tog.and i4;verf.
rid 13. where we have Arguments both from the more
etatothe lefle, and frcmtheleffeto the more; which
*}*] are acknowledged by ail, to be concluding Topicks>
4"- H 3 and
(itZ.)
and much ofed iothe Scripcurs. When our adNrerfa-
jnes hiV-* che like fro ri Scripewtt afnd1 antiquity,- how
ufe they co iafulcj bat poor we rauft not be al-
lowed chis liberty. ( >. ) It is evident from rhe con-
ftincpra^lcey ufe aodouftone of che Church , fron
th- ^pottles times, till the Pvpet off\o'»e irrhiifed
and fallowed up all power anj priviledges; eicher
in caking them away > or bringing chern inco an ab-
foluce dependance upon ;h?m. For chis we appeal co
th: recorefs and biftones of cheChurchi yea co the
hiftones of ch:Pjps, PLATINA andoth rs: in
many of which, we shall not only hndechc uncon-
trolled ufe of che peoples ele&ion mentioned • but
its nght juftified and defended, and many canons
ofCouncefs made for its regulation, andagainlt che
encroachments, chat were by fome made upon it:
in a mater fo clear, and grafted by che adverfary , we
need noc fpend time. If any ask us why we plead an-
tiquity here , and rejeft it anenc Prelacy f Oar Anf-
wsns , becaufe we ftnie to this queftion, as it is
ftaced betwixt us and the adverfanes , anciquity full
and clear j which ic is not in che other: Let che S ace
of the queftion about Prelacy , asicis now agitated
becwixt tis, be in every pair of it , brought coche
pure times of antiquity ; and rf ic cm be evidenced &
made out » even as co the fole power of ordination &
jurisdiction, and fuperionty of fome Mmiftersover
oiher Minifters of the Gofpel ; a >d we shall y'eel'd
the cau-fe and quietly fubmit: buc in the bufinefsof
th" peoples right of election , ic is beyond all con-
tradition clear, even in che confelfion of bur An-
tagonifts. ($ ) \Urelations3mongft rational creatures
that are noc founded on nature, & are free, there is al-
wayes
wayesreqaifite mutual confent, from which, as its
proper caufe and foundation, it does relult ; asisco
bf feeninill forts of fuch relations. £c isnotdcnyed,
but ycelded by all, that there is aparticulir fpecial
relation betwixt a Mimller and the Congregation, he
in ordinate fe'r'ves : we defire to kno w , what is rhe
caufe or foundation of it, ifitbenot this t All other
relation* ofthtskinde are founde.1 uponconfent ; and
why not this? ^4) The good effeftsthit have come
totii.Charchbythefreeand vblantareleftionofthe
peop'e, where it hath been admited, and m ufe. con-
fii mes usnoc alittle in this pcrfwafton: we have ob-
feved in univerfal experience, that not only a more
univerfal and chsarful fubjeftion hath been given
to the Mimfhyofthofe, that entered this way into
congregations; but a faithful and able Miniftryhath
jbsen more generally propagated , to the great advan-
tage of immortal fouls: if we may gather the nature
of the tree, by the fruit* we cannot fay» this is evil;
jj but truly good.
{ <A!]~ertion g. It belongs not to the Magiftrat to
prefen be Rules, and give Directions to the Mini*
lifter* oi the G?fpel , for regulating th* exercife ot
ntbeirMinittry^s is done m this induigenci.Qav reafons
jfofthis, art fi.) We fee no precept, inftitation,
jand example in all the Scriptures, impoweringthe
Magiftrat to this; we hope, none will expeft we
: should recede and fubjeii to a power, that hath no
warrant nor foundation in the word ; fcing all church
power owes its defcent and derivation from it: our
Antagonifts themfdves grant , that not only the po-
ftwer chey afcribe to the Magiftrat, is in and from
the Scriptures ; buc the regulation of its exercife >
H 4 should
mo J
should be conforme thereto ; fo that there will be no
debat a bout the confequence. The gi eat Patrons of
Erajiianifmt plead the inftances of David andiWo-
muns ordering (he courfespf the Levits and thepriefts,
ana of other things relating to the worship of God, in
the time of the old Teftament ^ but to little pur-
pole: feing they afted therein as Prophets, and ac
thedireftionsand inftru&ious given from God > by
the Prophets- and not asMagiUrats; as is clear from
the very letter of the Scriptures, in many places , 2
Chron. 29: verf. 25. and 35: verf. 15. with others:
If the Magiiirats of our time , did produce fuch war-
rant for what theyaflbroeto themfelves , and do in
thismarer, how readily should they be obeyed? But
theObje&iun of greateft feeming ftrengrhys that of He
^/^xprafttfe, keeping of the pafleover in che fecond
moneth2. Chron. 30 > 2* which confer jre to the in-
ftiiutiQjn Exod. \Z> should have been obfervedin the
firft moneth? Our Anf< to this is , fir ft, if this pra-
<5hfe be pleaded for a leading example to Magiiirats ;
it will warrant Magiftrats to change thiugs inftitute
by G°d 3 which , we hope, all will fayisabfurd.
Obj. It was bur the circumftance of time that he
changed f tAnJ. a command or inftitution makes
circumliances* determined by it, as unalterable by
men , as the fubftantiaisof the ordinance it felf :
docs not this, ifitbeconciudent,impowerthe Ma-
gi.ftratro change our Sabboth , from the fir ft to the
tecond % or any ocher day in the week, as heplea-
feth? What may not come in at thisdore? Next,
Our fauffyirg Anfwcrtothis is, that whatHe^ekjtb,
the Princes & Congregation did, they did it, at or by
the word of the jLord concerning thi$ alteration and
not
(III.)
notofthcmfclves , asis expafsvers 12. (t.) As
it is u.oal tor cunimiilions given to AmbauVors,
by thole that lend them , to containe all neccfla y in-
firu&ions* for regulating their carriage, in the d£
charge of their ambiiia^e ; fo wen\,deinthe Word
or Cod rules, precepts and dire&ionfc > giyentothe
Mioifteis of the-Gofpel, ao< ur the ordering of the
worship or God > and theex rcifecf their Mimftery
in all its parts ; which noconiyimpowers them for
this work, but bungs them under as ftrak Obligati-
ons to obferve the fa:ve3 a^ the work and mainefub-
ftantuls of the ambafoge , on which they are ftnc :
for this let 1 Cor. 14. two fcpdlles CO linothy with
other Scripturs beconfulted ; ani wedoubenotbue
this will be beyond dilput with the unpft judged. If
the Erajlia?<s could gve us fuch commands and p?e.
ceptsinthe word) tor the Magftrars power in this,
how would they ttiumph , and fo they jcftly might;
for they should have no fuch willing and chtirfu I af-
fenterstotlum then we \ if any fuch thing could be
shewed. ( j.) This power in the Magitirat would
CuibjeftMiniftcrs to and bring th:~.,in'bcexercifeof
their minifterie, in a deptndance 00 him 5 rhecon.
trare of which we h;vr proved before, and shall do
more afterwards: Thetrutbis, wetiembletbthink
on cbccooftq icnces oi ihsd, tendance $ for thereby
the JWagilirat mayfufpend • he mioiflry, in thefe parts
and exert ifts of it , that Chnft Jefus cals them to ,
in the ftated cafesof the times , in which they live j
as for mftance, when herefies are abounding , and
Pioieflors taken with the ihfg&rW. of ch;<t leaven,
he may put thv-. on the preaching of doftrinesnoc
appofiteio the prekuc cafe, and dilcturgethem from
H 5 medling
(tiiv)
medling with doctrines co itrare to thepfefenter-
rours; as our Mig^trats have done a.nent fame do-
ftritfes tn thefe times: he may -likewife forbid them
preaching agamft, or cenfunng of thefe fimies thic
are reigning in the place and time, mob.-ymg of
which, Muiifters shall crofs trie commands of Ctiriit
to them in his word, and bring the nfelves under
the guilt of the blood of ibules. It Churches and
Ainiftersbenot, in the commands, precepts, and
ihftiturions of God,exeemed from the power and ira-
poficions of men, what a fad cafe will they "be in*
fii'j The Church had and exercifed this power from
Scripture times in all ages>till within thefe hundereth
years. We grant the Magiftrafc exe? cifed a power a-
boutjor anent rheChurcbjbut never came this lengtn:
when they did reforme, & gave any redrefs of corrup-
tions, creep t into the admimiirauons of holy things ,
they did it by the Churchy whom; in her officers,
they did convocat? and require toconfider the ma.
ter, arid to make conftitutibns about it ? biitnetfef
effayed to do it imraediatly , andby theotfdves; as
Church ftiftoriesmakeevident, beyond all c'oritra-
dfftion. ( y. ) It is the natural right of all moral
power > to order snd\iifpofe its o wne exercife, in ar>d
about the Maters that are proper to it : as might b6
made to appear by inftances of thefe of the Parental ,
Marital Powers, &c andthereafonis, partly, be.
caufe the objects and other circumftances are fo th£ii<f
and various $ that ic is not poilible to prefcribe rules ,
comprehensive of all particular emergent* , relating
to their excercife , bucmuftbe left to the prudence
ofthofeinvefled with them , to do therein , as they
fee fit and expedient^ the cafes that are before them
and
and partly fuch are ficctt > as having more knowled-
ge and experience abouc fuch things , chac belongs to
their po Arer , chen any others, we fee this yeoJded
toothers, and why then not toMmilters, who may,
in ratioml jjdg.nent, be prefiwaed , to hive mora
foli 1j knowledge and experience, inland aboutthe
maters of God, as any? (6.) All divines (excepc
thoie called Er*ftian> who are but of a late edition
in truCnurcrO yeathePrelatical ones, doegranta
^MuSf/^po'.vertothe MinifteryoftheGofpel* abouc
the worship aid government of the Church, md
the exercife of their Munftry relating thereto: and
till ER. \S rUS the phifitian ardfe, it wasbe-
yoidconcrcverGeanoig all Church writers, whe-
ther Hiltor cal or Polemick; eventhofe, whocoa-
tended for che Migiftrats power , againfttheufurpa#
tions of the P<if«; asiscobefvenmtherr Tra&iDs;>
fro n whicn we ought adduce orations not a few ;
but feiri l^they wold prove too tedioas * if inferred
here, We forbeare.
^Affcrtion 4. Albeit we grant, the power of
conhnenunt be proper to the Migiftrat , and not a*
all to the Ciurch (for to hi.nonly isthifwordgi*?
vea, to be ufedagainit evil doers; ) yec in the com-
plex cafe, which we hid before us, we durft noc
approve of the inddgtnee* wichfuchaclaufe; feing
we haj not (as may be clear to3ny fro n what is
faid above) any other thing, in this niacer, toin*adg$
us, to in acceptance thereof. For the aft of in*
dilgence confines the Miniflhers of the whole party:
ifit hai been butfoxie few, that this coniinment
reach* d , we would not hive faid much to it, al-
though the fentence had been unjult. But wb I ewe
confid-
(I24-)
considered the prefenc univerfal neceffity of the
ChJrch, and the obligations en us, toufeourMi-
mltery, for anfwering the fame, we could not,
with quietnefs to our conferences juftifie nor allow
of it as a fa vour, with fuch a reftraint on our Miniftry.
lftheconfinment had only touched our perfons, and
peribnal concerns, we had with all patience and
fuj niilion yceldcd thereto ; but a reftraint being put
ontheexercifeof ourMiniftery, in this neceifitous
condition of the Church, when Papifls , Qtalyrs and
other fubverters of truth and godlinefs , do multi-
ply and abound, without all crub, we could not clofe
witn this indulgence -> which > by vertue ot the con-
finmertt , puts us out of capacitie , for affording that
rekef to the Church and immortal fouls , which our
office binds us to. ( 2* ) As there are many duties
an&partsof our Minifterial function > v^hich we can-
not per forme and exercife , but in a conjunction with.
others \ fothis indulgence cuts off from all accede to
tftt fame , and leaves us in much worfe cafe , then
we were in before. Have we not the Gofpel of
Chrift to rnaincaine againft its prefent adversaries i
Are we not bound to propagat the fame in the pre-
fenc and fucceeding ages f Do not fcandals of all
forts abound , tothe overthrow of truth and piety i
and does not the care and burdine of feeing to and
providing againft the evil, tint in thefe times, thre-
aten the ruine of the Church, lye upon us in our mi-
nifterial capacity ? And we cannot fingly and apart 9
doe what is neceflare in this cafe> but in a conjunction
with one another: no doubt, our fubje&ingtothis
confinment would render us acceflbry to , and bring
us under the guilt of ail thefe evil and their confequen-
ces
ces to this, and the following generations. Fofte-
rity, noqueftion, should have all caufe to curie and
charge their blood upon us, which is trerr bin gto
think upon. (3.) If we may guefleat , andbcaf-
certamed of the ends and defignesof mensaftions,
by the native effefts and confequ'encesofthem 5 it is
to us apparent and beyond denyal , that the projeft
and intention of this contrivance.was quietly to ruine
and bury our caufe; feing by this confinment, and
other things in this indulgence , all endeavours to-
wards the fucceffion of 1 faithful roiniflery , are cue
off, and we brought unto an immediat dependance on
the Magiftrat , in the maters of God, and hindered
to propagat the truth > in oppoGtion to its adversaries,
in other parts of the landjbeing thus s hut up into a lit.
le corner of the fame, &caft,by two's & three's and
fours, into congregations; where, for the molt part,
there is little or no ufe for us ; If the Apofiles and
other Miniflers ofChrifl, in Scripture times, had
been thus dealt with . and in policy confined , as we
are; do any think, they would have fubmitted to 9
and obeyed fuch a condiment, which would have
fruftrated the ends of their office and work; and made
them guilty of difobedience to their Mafler, from
whom they ieceived commands > inconfiftent with
fuch a fenrence? And shall we fubjeft and be con.
fentient to a deed, that in the define and cfTefts
thereof will infallibly deftroy the caufe,which, by all
forts of obligations , weaieengadged tomaintaine
and advance to the utmoft of our power ? God for-
bid. We are not ignorant j that the confinment,
with a permiflion to preach and exercife other parts
ofourminiftry, in the places, to which we were to
in
bec^fine4; wa$apica oi policy, invented to co-
ver the tooyifible encroachment en Cbusch ] ower >
in the firft afl of Indulgence f which was known af-
terwards tofturoble many,) t hat the mater r^ight be
more /rxAothed » ?nd goe the barer -dawn ; while
the deilgne was the l^rrjej which was ^sjsfaid )
to bring ourminiftry in fubjfftion to (he Magiltrac >
intheroatiersAf God; and without noffetoobfta^
the fp reading of the Gofpel , and to mine our caufe;
for att;airjLing of which , we have not yet ieen a ipor^
{uccesful like pie.ee of policy , then thi&of the indul-
gence.
Refolding ^ as harh heeq /aid ) to unfold our
hearts 3 and to keep nothing tm , aneitf ,w h£t i$ truly
grei vous.to ■>> and burdens o^reppfcience*, in the com-
mands and impofitions of thefe times; fveshail a<ki?
other reafons toxbefe , jwjiich , with tte^ra?e/#:ar£
thegrciundsofp^rdirTatisftfiion with and non -ap-
probation of this indulgence; as (i.) IntheNarra*
tiveoftbe2.^p//W/</g^« > it is declared, that thi:$
pretended favour is provided tor a remedy agaitxft
the e^il of Conventicles , ( by which we un4erlMp4
theafiejnbiiespf the Lords people for hearing of the
word 5 and par.taking.of other ordinances from faith-
ful Miniftersof the Gofpel ) which the executionof
laws made againft the feme, hath not fupprefled. fa
thissarratJv&fpeakstoall, thedefgneof the indul-
gence*^ fo it shew sj what we are to expeir as its con*
fequence , if app.roven.by us , to which we dar have
noacceifion 3 dke&ly nor indirectly j for byour al-
lowance, and fubmvfpon, we shall not only p rave
aftiye in hindering the propagation of the word for
the future ^ Initalio shall copftquenttally cond^rnne
the
the formerpraftice of the Lords fervants and people ,
in preaching ind hearing of the word; that hath bee*
bleffed, and made not a little fuccesful, to the ad-
vantage of the truth , and the benefite of many fouls.
(2) Many by this indulgence weieaflrgned and feat
to other congregations, then thefe they had formerly
ferved their falter in, before this rt volution in the
Church : As we judge the former relations toparti-
culai flocks (ever whuch the Holy Ghoft , and not
S* e State > had frade them oveifeers ) to be yet in
rce , and not diffolved by all the violence ufed a-
gainftus ; fo we thirik our approbation of this indul-
gence) would not only jufiifythe unjuft ufurpation>
and violence in calling them out $ buthkwifewouUJ
have made void the former , and yet [landing relation
to thele re fpe&ive congregations > in which we darrc
havenohand , but in the way Chrifthath appointed >
and was formerly tifed in this Church ; feingitwill,
po queflion > both Itrengthen the Magiftrat , in his
unjuft encroachments on the Government of the
Church > *nd be a pra&ical acknowledgement of
him, inallhehathdoneinthismater (3.; By one
cteufeinthe 2. aft of indulgence y appeals are allowed
and authorized from the indulged to the Prelats
Courts; which does fubjeft > and dire&Iy fubordi-
nat them to thele, in the exercife of government and
difcipline, which is known, to be contrare to our
■ Covenanted and well grounded principles. The truth
is, we look on this , with o'her particulars in that
indulgence , as a device framed of purpofe , for gain-
ing all thefe ends and intents upon us , which by vio-
lence hath been formerly defigned againft us, for
eftablishing of Prelacy and Eraflianifme- (4 ) A*
fome
(u8.)
fome of the Rules are impracticable, Toothers of
them do not a little reflect upon the praftifes of Chrift
and h's Apoftles, recorded by the Evangclilis, who
preached in houfes and fields. If we underftand our
ChnfVanprofdlion aright, we rruft takeourfelves
bouadby many commands and precepts in the word
or God, toimitat Chrift and hisApoftles, in their
performances of the duties of Religion andnghte-
oufnefs , which are of purpoie related in the Scrip-
turs for this effeft. Do we not find from thefc facred
records, Chrift and his A poftles preaching in houfes
and fields, as occafions offered , never declin ng to
te^ch and wftruct the people in thefe , as the prefenc
exigence required, although they had the opportu-
nity of and acceffe to i he Synagogues, w hich is deny-
cd us , as to the plages allowed for public! worship/*
Do not thefe pra&ices of Chrift and his Apoftles fay,
that , as preaching in houfes and fields , is in it fclf no
Gone but lawful; (except we refolve to make Chrift a
tranfgreflbur ) loin the like cafe*, and under the like
calls, we are bound to do in this, as Chrift did be,
fore us j who can get this shuned?
Amongftthe many defignes aimed at , in this r«-
dulgence , and in part obtained by it ; we know the!
deviding and breaking of our party , was a principal
one ; which at firft a&uated , and feton foot this de-
vice amongftus; but, we hope, without the fruit:
ouradverfariea ex'pe&ed to have reaped thereby , to
the advantage of rheir caufe: for, whatever diffe-
rence there hath been, or yet is artongftus, in our
praftice/n relation to the indulgence, we are all agreed
in the preceeding exceptions againftit; and if there
had been acceffefor reprefenting the fame to our
Rulers >
Rulers , ?our unanimity and concord in thefe had
been more difcovered, and made known to the world,
then it is. There is no change with us of our
known and profefled judgment , about the Govern-
ment of the Church , m us true diflinft ion from, and
independence on the Magiftrat, as is afterward ex-
: prefled. What ever was our perfwaficn in this , re-
. prefented to the world m our publick confefJ on of
. , faith, we yet, throw the grace of God, refolveto
I cleave to: having never feen or heard of any thing,
s > in all i he times that have gone over our heads , to
) caufe us alter our apprehenfions of this mater in the
; : leaft. Some ( who take hold of all occafionsto repro-
. ach us) are pleafed to reprefent fomc their acceptance
. of this indulgence, as contrad.Sory to, and inconfi-
>[ftant with our former profefled principles anent
;„ Church Government : yet any that confiders what
o.was shortly hinted at> to the Council, at the re-
aceiving of this indulgence; and what was noie br-
ie ;gely declared by them to the congregations, at their
tijnrft entry , will be fufficieotly convinced of our con-
ftantadherence to our former principles; which by
>>:his acceptance is not at all changed. It is expected
\t Tom the lowers of our righteous caufe, chat noth-
ing shall be done by them , toward the furtherance
t-.;>f theevil intents of this indulgence; but ratheraa
k endeavour to counteraft and ineffeftuac them ,
tocjhat ouroppofites may have nobenefite therefrom,
>|o the prejudice of the interefts of Chrift, for which
: ve contend.
ni t SECT,
Sect. VI.
The nature of Church Government* as eliftinBl
from and independent upon Magi fir acy ,
explained,
HAvingprorrecVdrhus fari anddifpatched th«
firftchiee things, we prcpofedto fpeak to, it
tile beginning, wt shall now enter otuhe laft , the
Supremacy EccUfiti jiical , that js now by hw ann< xec
to the crown , ctiaUl <»hed in his nifties pcrfooanc
fucceffours, and fenced by law and ptiSticc* Lttnonj
wonder , we take this ticklish fubjtft into con(idera<
tion «i and dar adventure, to give an accotnpt of oui
thau^hr s of the fame? to the ft cild : for we folemnlj
prottfle, .that on iheex:ft:8 enquiry and fea ch, that
we have been able to n>ake about this mater; we lind<
it , as diametrically oppofitetoour true Covenanted
principles, asPrebcy; and in its eft< fts > we fear,
shall prove as deftruftive to the Church > and work
of Reformation, as any thing that appeared on the
field againft it : Times paft and prefent fpeak much
to this, but the future wit! fay more: the ftornre,
that this Sup remacy threatens to this Church and
nation, is fuch , that it is the part of all that wish well
to Zjon to pray inftantly day and night , that it may
be graciot fly averted. The truth is > as we look
upon *t, as an high corruption in it felf tending to the
fubverfion of the Churches concerns, in doctrine*
yyorship,and Government; fo it lies at the bottome of
cur non. Conformity to the law, in Church maters y
and is not only one > but a maine reafon , why we
cannot
rannot joync in Church aflemblics , cfpecially foe
Government 5 which thereby y in our apprehenfions,
ire madenulhtics. Ttut our procedour in fpeakin*;
:othis. may be diftinft and ckar to all , we shall
jbferve this mtthod. 1. We shall confider & fptak
o the Government of the Church > and shew whac
t truly is« 2. We shall prove its diftin&ion from, &
independency on the civil Government. And;. Shew
in low far this Government of the Church is by law
Codgedin, and exercifed by our Rulers , conrrare to
iienpture and the praftice of the Church, till thefe
4 lundered years psft.
or For more l'ght co the whole , we shall premife
1 hefe preliminary confiderations or proportions ,
Jjvhich, we think, will not readily be denied by an?.
life Propof. it is out of our rode > and incoofiftent
anivith our intended breviryto infill on the tearn.sGO-
^ERJNMENTdi CHURCH , & what is uQially fig-
:iiifiedby them; thefe ueIe3vetotheCriticksandall
N hat write on thtb fubjeft : butallare agreed in this ,
i hat GOVERN MENTis a tearme importing power
)^;nd authority; Which is nothing els , but a right td
toule others^ and an obligation on thefe invefted there-
ir.vithtoufe the fame, for attaining the ends of Go-
vernment: So that Government makes its afts due &
Aalide intheperfon, or perfons cloathed with ftj &
Wiindes them to all thefe afts , means & wayes , by
felvhich Government is enabled to reach its ends. '2.
'ripof. All created power & authority is originall ia
3od,asthe& firftcheifcaufetheieof,& derived fro tfi
mm » astheuniverfal Supreme Monarch > andGo-
»;;! ernourofall in heaven or earth ; hence it neceflarly
^ollowes, that, as the power that cannot prove its
l H I z defcenc
deicent from God 9 is noc to be admired ; fo all jl
po wers arc directly fubordinat to him as the univerf *
head of all. g. Propof that the Church of Chr*
not being founded in nature > but on fupernatural I
velations,her Government mull wholly depend Up*
& flow from it , in thefe thingswhere it differs frn
other Governments • fo that the Ml of. this G
vernment is by pofitiveinftitution and warrant frd
God fupernaturally revealed. 4. Propof Th1
Chrift Jefus , as Mediator? Being made the head *
the Church under God ; and thereby her Goveri
tnent founcained in him : all powers in theChurd
mull be derived from, and fubordinat to him > as tl
Supream. 5. Propof Bifide the inviiible and ii
ternal Government >.that,Chrift Jefus exercifeth U
his Spirit , on the fouls and conferences of his people
(that confifts in the inward light and powerofh
Spirit guiding and enabling them to that obedience!
he requires of them in his word,) there is hkwife1
true vifible Government of the Church, inftitutcb
him, and vifibly exercifed *nher3 in his name, as he
Supream. 6. Propof The Government of theChurc]
( as shall be proved afterwards ) is not properly t an
tn lima d'mBa fubordinat to the Magiftrat , for 1. J
hath its derivation from another fountaine , Chrii]
Jefus ; who being the Churches Supream head an*
governour 5 all power in her rouft come from and ds
pend on him. 2, The Magiftrat cannot take away
nor change the Government of the Church , whicl
he may do in Governments and poweis fubordinat t<
him ; yea, he cannot impede its exercife , in thefe in
trufted with it; feing they are under obligations fo
ic, antecedent & fuperiour to thefe of the Magiftrat
7>Propo}
(I3J-)
- Propof That the holy Scriptures j being the .
/ord andlaw of Chrift, as King of his Church, mult
al echeinftrumenc and rule of the Churches Govern-
ment, according co which she ought to be ruled, not
trinly inthefeaftsof fairh and obedience in the inner
Cl.ian > but alfo in che outward. 8. ?ropof. Although
fo owers fpecifically dittinft be not fubordinat to one
Thjiaocherj yet there may be andisamutualfubordi-
id acion of perfons 3 invefted wich thefe powers , (oas
ci ric perfons are in different refpefts fupenourand in-
iii^nourtooneanocherj as Jejje was co David (fup-
stil ofing him to live in his fon Davids reigne; ) which
i H jbordination of perfons does not take away thede-
1 junction of thefe powers ; nor the mutual fubje&ion,
ipljbe perfons owe to one another: hence we afferc ,
[ghat as Magiftracy does not deftroy the Miniftry, nor
oce^ofe the perfons cloathed therewith » from the fub-
ife&Jftion they owe, asChnftians, toMmifters, in the
flight exercife of their Miniftery \ fo neither does
ihijhe Miniftery deftroy Magiftracy , nor untye Mini-
sters, as fubje&s, from that fubjeftion and obedi-
uUpce due to Magiftrats from thsir fubje&s* Mini-
sters are bound to this as muchasaoy, 9* Propof.
in|;-is in all Governments , there are fomethings that is
^mnnfick ( although vifible ) wherein its nature and
d^pecifick eflence does confift , and fomethings acci-
lental and feparable from it , that belongs not to its
ffe , but BENE ESSE ; fo there are in the vifible
jovernment of the Church > fomethings effeatul &
ncrinfick, ( of which afterward ) and fomethings
ccidencal and excrinfick, without which it can
ubfift , even in its exercife. 10. Propof. Thsfe
hings, in and about which , the Government of the
I 3 Church
Church is converfant , a:-e of diverfe forts; fomefc
purely fpiritjal , as the Word> Mm.ftery, Saif^
ments, and all Ordinances of divine appointment. «
Others are ofaroixc nature, partly fpiritual & Palki
civil , as the neceflary circumftances and modswj
worship and Government ; which , although cjir
in their own nature* and common toother *&ioiki
yet partly by reafon of the general divine appoikr
ments , impowering the Church to difpofeand < ?
dcr thefe ; partly by reafon of their neceffary conk
ftion with things purely fpiritual, are truelyEcct
fiaftick, and become a part of the obje&ofthep"
per power of Church Government, called by all jfl
vines Dl ATACTIC^: Someare properly ScpurJ
civil, in their ownenatue and imraediat ends
Church-s> Stipends, Manfes, Glybs, &c.whid
although they be by general precepts fecuredtot1
Church > and belonging to her; yet they are f<3
mally civil > and corrte dtre&ly under the Magiftrail
power , as other civil rights and proprieties do, abot
which he does execute the judgmentbf cruth&peacl
ii. 9ropoj. It is to be adverted t that there is a twl
fold fubordination ofpowers in Government; one
LINE A DIRECT A; and another/* LINE A 0*
L1QUA: in the fir ft fubordination, thepowerfut
ordmaced is derived fioai , and comprehended in tl
S jpream , and may be impeded , fufpendsd or reg
a ed in its exercifc > yea totally diffoived by it; at
when exercifedi it is in th ; name and authority of tl
Suxeam, and wholly dependant , initsregulatioi
on it ; to that both the power as fuch » thrperfoni
trufted therewith, and its exsreife, is fubjefted
the Supream. In the fecond kind of fubordinacioi
tl
3ue subordinated power, or rather the perron m its
, erafe, isonlytheobjeft offomc afts of another
J/vrerj but the power is not derived from it, nor
ifitffttj&i inaudible or regulable by it: Ic isint^iis
hj t lore of fubordination , that Magiftrats and Mi-
»lj c Iters are ftjbordmated to one another , without all
;«0lb ordination of the powers, in th^ir exercife; for
ppj Magiftrats may, yea should command MioifiefSt
njnei negligent, to the duties of their funftion; io
:0il I miters ought, in Chrills name , to command
JpJ h iftian Magiftrats to do the duties belonging to
,,( i?ir office ; and to rebuke them authoritatively,
j^'hen found acting contrare thereto, il Prof of.
^ hefe fubjefted to created powers, whether Magi-
;, ratical or Minillerial > being ander the fupream ,
jjjjpfoiuteaod univerfal Soveraignity of God , have a
3t;Wer of judgment and difcretion granted to them,
fj)r cognofcingonthe commands of their fuperiours,
Jjitp their juftice or infuftice, or their confiftency
Jjfithi or repugnancy to the commands of God ; by
Jlthich they are to walk in giving or not giving obedi-
J (ice eb their fuperiours.
fU The way being thus paved, our next work is, to
L£jhew,whu we judge to be the Government of the vi-
sible Church , which we shall do in thefeCondufi-
i)m$. Conchf. i. The Government of the vifible
'3hurch largely confidered, is either Supream or Sub*
f>rdinat: to the Supream belongs the legiflative po-
j ver , as the making and cnaftingof lawes, inftituting
f)f ordinances , appointing and impowering of
f>fficers; and tobethefountaineofall power inthe
Church. This we affert to be only in Chrift Jefus ;
md vifible io his word , ordinances , officers , and the
I 4. con*
(i36.)
conveyance of all Church power: in this, none ^hare
with him either Magiftrats or Minifies, Conchf. z.
The fubordinat power of Government in thcChurch,
is in her officers , that Chrift hath appointed and
called ebereto ; which power > is only and im-
mediacy £om Chrift , and exercifed in his name,
over all in the Church , which diftinftson of
Church Government makes not different Govern-
ments in the head and members ; it being one and
the lame Government , truly Monarchical , not
Ariiiocratical , nor Democratical. Conch 3. This
derived and iubordinac power in Church officers ,
when considered with refpeft to its mater 3 in and
about w hich it is exercedj is diverfe: Schoolmen
and Divines diftinguish it, into the power of Order &
J*rJjdi8ion, but for explications fake , and avoiding
of all ambiguity , we^hailconfider it, in the variety
of its objects or mater $ and its divers afts about the
fame.
As (f.)To it belongs the difpenfing of the ordi-
nances ot worship, in the publi&aflembliesof the
Church, inpreachngoftjie.word, pnyingto (as
the mouth of the afiembly)and praifing of God:
in thefe they aft, as the Authorized fervants of Chrift,
in performing and directing of the worship of God
in the Church. (2.) Theconvocatingofthe Affem-
biies of the Church, for thefe divine andholyexer-
cifes • on which all in the Church are bound by di-
vine precepts to attend > as the inftitute means of wor-
ship? converfion, and edification. (3.) Thereceiv-
ing> ordering, and diftributing of the Charitable
contributions of the Church, for maintaining of the
poor; and doing of other pious works, (4. Try-
ing*
0?7.)
. itig , receiving > and admiring of members into the
Crunch , confirming: and icahng of the fame by
iBapcil'cne. (5) Adminiliring the great ordinance of
the Lords fupper, to che worthy and obedient, con-
forme to the inftitution of ic in the word. (6. Eje*.
&ing and excluding the impenitent and obftinatly
fcandalous ( after due trial and convi&ion) whether
in doftrine or manners , from the Sacraments, and
Comunion with the Church in thefe. (7.) Trying,
.calling, andordaningofperfons fitted for and will-
ing to engadgc in the Minilteryj according to the
rules of the word. (S.) Depofingandexautorating
of Mmifters from the Mimftery, who, byherefyor
Ifcandals, declare themfelves unworthy of, andun-
Ifit for the fame. (9 ) Trying , and cenfuring of
jfcandals, in perfons found guilty of them (after due
,conviftion; for their recovery , and keeping of the
i Church pure. (10.) Aflbciating into ftated & fixed
meetings, forc'anyingon , and doingof the former
i and fubfequenc work , whether more general or pari
; ticular, in then due and allowed (ubordination. (u.)
t Trying and judging of doftrines, whether found or
heretical, according to the rule of che word of Chrift,
and cenfuring of perfons found unfound in the faith.
\ (12.) Difpotiug bordering the neceflary circumftan.
ces of worship and Government , for decency and
order , and the avoiding of confufion, (f ;.) Re*
folving of doubts and cafes of confeience , incident
to the Church, on any occafion or emergent. (1 4.; In-
di&mgofdayesof publiftfokmne fails and humilia-
I tion , or of thankfgiving , as the difpenfations of
I judgment and mercy call to the fame, &<:♦
Cmcluft 4. This Government of the Church,
Ay as
as ft is in the hands of Churc ii otficers.and exercifed by
them, is purely Ministerial, wichout all dominion
in them $ and oily executive in applying the wli of
Chnit co the menders of chs Charch * asth?y are
foun J conform or difa>nform to the fane, Concl. $.
This fubordinac power in Church officers i% only
declarative and nuncupative) and not properly decifive}
they have nor power to determine whac shall be true
orfalfedo&rine, fin or duty; and what cenfure shall
beinfli&ed onperfons heretical or fcanJalous ; but
anly to declare and apply the will of Chrift > and
what he hath determined anenc thefe in ints word.
This power fuppons itsobjeft, and does not make
it. Concl. 6. It is wholly limiced, regulated by, and
reftn&ed to the word and law ofChnft , asitsbafis
and rule, beyond which ic cannot go; and if it do, its
a&s are nullities and not obligatory on any. Concl.
7. It is purely TpintuiL in its mater, manner and ends;
and not at all civil: it effentially refpefts the inner
man, and wholly labours ( inthewayes appointed)
the faving, edifying and perfefting of it. Concl. 8.
This power is not properly coercive* coaEthe > and
compulfive; but only excluftva that is, if it be not
obeyed by thereabout whom it is exercedjtjdoes dc«
barrethem from, and deay them the benefits, that are
offered to all, and promifed to the obedient. Concl. 9.
This power, in the hands of the Church officers, is
truly Chrifts , and when afted in his name, conforme
to his la wes , is the exercife of his Supream dominion
in and over the Church $ By which he truly and vt«
fibly reigns over all in her ; fo that obedience to thi*
power, is obedience to Chnft, as King of his Church;
and the contrare is high rebellion againft him. Conch
10. AU
('39- )'
10. Although this power be only Minijierial, an4
declarative of the will of Chnft ; yet ic is authorita-
tive* ani bind ng on all th- Church, without ex-
ception of perfons i and that on a double account >
firfi on the accounc of divine commands enjoyning
fubmlfion and obedience toitsexercife, in the per-
fons of thofeinvefted there wich ; andalfoonche ac-»
couat ofits refpe& to , and derivation from Chdli,
whofe power and ordinance ic is ; and whom , in its
cxercifcit do :th reprefent to all. Concl. 1 1. This po-
wer is exercifed^etthei fingly & a pare by every officer
( according to fhe nature & meafureor their power;)
or in conjunction wch one another , confomie to the
precepts of the word , and praftifes of the Church in
S:ripturctime5. Although every officer of the Church
in their feveral orders, have the whole power belong-
ing intrinficc to it ; y-t there are founc afts thereof,
they cannot exerce , butinaconjunftion wi:h others,
asordaimngof perfon for the Miniftry, Trying and
cenfudngof fcandalous and heretical Profdfours or
Mmifters , &c. forwnich there rnuft be fixed meet-
ings of officers , general and particular. CmcL 12.
The ordmir officers of the Church ( the extraordmare
being ceafed) are of three orders , Teachers and
Paltors ; Ruling elders * and Deacons. Thefe wc
fii ie to be of divine inftitution , and no others: Many
others have been brought into , and obtruded on the
Church, but all of humane, or rather of diabolical
invention as, alace, their effefts have fadiy made
out to the Church of Gad, in former an.i prefent
tiroes. In everyone of chefe divine orders, wefiodc
noinftitu*efuperiority, in the fame order, ofonea-
bove others j as a Paftor of Paftors; or an Elder
of
(140.)
of Elders ; and a Deacon of Deacons : Thefc who
have affuraed and gxcrcifed this fuperiority we can-
not owne > as the Officers of Chrift , nor fubjefit
to them j asfuch> till they prove thdr mftitution
and miffion from him ; which yet they have noc
done. Thf outmoft efley hath been for Prelacy pi
aBifhop, who is pleaded to b^aPallour of Paftours
havingjcheoverfight of them and their flocks; but no-
thing attempted for making out thedivine right ofPW-
mats, %Archbij\iops , Archpresbyters, Archdeacons, &C.
This is that lowly and humble Government of
theChurch, that Chrift.hath inftuute in his word,
and put in the hands of his Officers, commanding
them to exercife and diipeafe the fame to all in his
houfe, under high paines: or which in thefecond
place we affert thefe two. i. That it is diltindt and
fpecifically different from the civil government of the
Magiftrat. And z. That it is independant on it*
Thefc two conclufions we now undertake to prove >
againft the Eraftians of our time , who aflert , that
when theChurch comes to be ernbodyed with the
Commonwealth > her Government becomes one
with the Government of the State > and does noc dif-
fer from it.
In oppolition to th'efe , we aflirme , that when a
Nation > Srate or Kingdom turnes Chriftian > in its
Rulers and Subjects, the Government of theChurch
remaines fpecifically different and diftina from the
Government of that State or Kingdome • as it was
before its converfion to Chnftiamty. The reafons
perfwading usofthis, are i. The Government of
the Kingdome ? that is not of this world > isdiftincT:
and different from the Government of the King-
domes
(T4I2)
domes that are of this world? But fb it is, thatthe
Government of the Chunh is the Government of a
Kmgdome, that is not of this world. Therefore
the Government of the Church is difiinfl andd.ffe-
rent from i he Government of the ciyil Magjftrat*
thatis,theGovernmentof Kmgdomes that are of this
wo<ld. This Argi'mtnt leans on thefe three, x.
That the Church is a Jfcingdome, 2, That she hath
a Government; And $. That she is not of this world,
although in it. All which are beyond difput clear
from the Scriptures. All that our adverfaries fay to
this, is, that the vifible Church of Chrift, is not pro-
perly, but metaphorically called a Kingdome: But
how evident is the contrare i for is not Chrift Jefus
the Churches vifible HeacJ and King? Is she not tuled
by his vifible Lawes, Ordinances and Officers that
are properly and truely fuch? and are not all thefe
from above, and not of this world?
. Jrgum, 2 . That Government whofe fupream
Head, Lawes, Ordinances and Officers are fpecificaL
ly different from the Head, Lawes, Ordinances, and
Officers of the civil Magiftrat , mull be diftinft from
it: But fo it is that the head, lawes , ordinances and
Officers of the Church are diftinctfrom the lawes,
&c. of the civil Magiftrat : Therefore , &c. Therea-
fon of the firft propofitionis clear > for that which
makes one Government differ from another , is dif-
ferent heads , lawes , Ordinances & Officers: where
thefe are either numerically or fpecifically different,
the Government is different accordingly: it being
comprehended in all tbefe: but that "the fupream
head, laws, ordinances, and Officers of the Chorch
are fpecifically different, from thefe of the civil Go-
vernment
fT4M
vernment, who will deny it, thatprofefles himfelf
a Chriftian t Obj. But all thefe come under the in*
fpe&ionof the Magiftrac , when he turns Chriftian.
«^4w/. i« Either thefe continue in the Church > un-
der the Magiftrats Government* what they were be-
forej or they do not; if rhey do, the Argument holds,
and proves the Government of the Church , to be
diftinft from that of the Magiftrats, whtn Chriftian ;
If they do not continue, weafkfrom whence comes
this alteration, and how will they prove it ? No-
thing here from our adverfaries , but Ahum film-
tium* ornugai deftitutt of all reaion* But , i. The
tearmJNJPECTION, or O VE F^S 1 G H T,
isambiguous; ifbyit we mean the countenancing,
protefting, and encouraging of this Government
of the Church, weyeeldrt: but what fayes that to
the confounding of the Governments; or making the
Government of the Church * the Magiftrats: if by
infpe&ion we under ftand , the devolving of the Go-
vernment of the Church on the Magiftrat, as the
fountaineofit i the ordering and difpofing of its ex.
ercifc, the changing thereof at pleafute, inwholeor
in part.- this we deny, and long have we looked for
proofe j but have hitherto met with none.
Arg. $. The Government of the Church for*
merly deliniated is incomp^tble with thecivilMagi.
ftrats $ therefore it is diftinft from his Government.
We hope, none will refufe this coniequence. The
antecedent is thus proven* ( I .) The fubordinat Go-
vernment of the Church is purely Miniftcrial, not
Nominative or imperial ; jt is only declarative, and not
dcci/ive , not coaBive and compulfive ; it is exercifed
in Chrifts Name , and in his Head » and is the repre-
Tentative
04 J- ) .
tentative of his Tpccial prt fence in his Church : thefe
art uicompacibk with the Govemrreit of the Magi-
ftrat , whole- power isSupream, Magifteiial , and
Imperial* coa&ive and compulGve ; andexercifed
in his owne native » &c. (z.) The Magiftrat cannot ,
yea may not cztriife iht Government oi the Church*
beirgdifenabled thereto, by the commands and in.
ftit utions of Chntt ,who hath laid the burden thereof
on others , and not on him. The moft granr, the
Mag'ftrat hsmfelf may not exercifefcme parts of this
G overall ent, aso da ningof perions tor the Miui-
Itery,excomn umcacing,&c. and why he may do o-
ther parts and^fts belonging to it, and not thefe ,
We define proofe : all our antagonifts arguments in
this conclude lor the whole, Ob). But fome Magi-
ftrats have exerciled both powers, as Mo[es> Samu-
el) David* Solomon* &c« jfnf. Thefe were both
Magiftratsand Prophtts ; and it is evident fiom the
Scripture* that what they did either in configuring
or in exercifing of the Government of the Church »
they did it as prophets > and norssMagiftrats: we
findMagiftrats , that were not Prophets , attempt
ting it , 8c reprehended for fo doing? as SauU Uftiab:
which fays , that it did not belong to their Magiftra-
tical Office.
*Arg. 4. That Goverment that is founded upon
and regulated by another rule and inftrum ent, then
the law of the civil Magiftrat, is diftinft from his Go-
vernment: But the Government of the Charch is
founded upon, and ruled by another law or rule, then
the Magiftrats ; the law and word of Chrift : there-
fore, &c the firft propofition is clear, for the Go-
vernment of the Magiftrat does flow from andis regu-
lated
(I44-)
lated by hisownel3wes,of which he is the fole foun-
tains: The fecond, wefuppofe, is undenyabie among
Christians, who acknowledge the Scriptures for a i
rule of Doftrine , Worship and Government tpthe
Church ofChrift.0^/ But there are fomethings necef*
fare to the Governmen t of the Church, not contained i
in the Scriptures f Jnf- This we deny. Fori. What i
the Scriptures containe, anent the Government of the I
Church ( if reduced to pra&ice ; is able toattaineits i
ends » and more is not neceffary: Let the Church i
havethefe, and the work will be done: we make &
f eigne neceflities , but no more is neceffar to the ends
of\he Church Government , then what is deter-
mined by the Scriptures anent -it. fa.; The ability
of theChurches Government, for reaching uts ends,
lyes not in the innate fufBciency of its inftituted me-
ans ; but in the Spirit of Chrift ♦ working with? itii
and by them ; by which low, weak and defpicable
wayes, Chrift carries en the falvation of his people,
that the excellency of the power may be of him > and
not of us. ($*) The Scriptures being a full and per-
feft rule for all maters of taith and obedience > what
it containes of, and anent the Government of the
Church," muft be perfeft and fufflcient : fure we are,
the Churches Government is a good work, and its
cxercife, afts of obedience to Chrift Jefus ; anent
whichitis faidi.T/w.j. The Scripturs are able to
make the Man of God perfeft > throughly furnished
to every good work. ( 4. ) We enquire , when the
Church is without aChriftisn Magiftrat, and under
the feet of a heathenish perfecuting one fin which
cafe our oppofits grant her a Government difhnft
from , and independent on the Magiftrat ) whether
the
■ :he Government excrcifed in her , be able to artaine
! tsends. If it be ( as the experience of rh- church
1 n this cafe puts beyond doubt J why may it not do
• :he fame , under a Chriftian Magiftrat f
Arg 5. Thn Goverement that is exercifed in
i:he name of another dtftinft Supream Head, befides
he Magiftrat, isdiftinft from rh? Govern nent of
:he civil Magiftrat. But the Government of the
Church is exerced in the name and authority of ano*
h :herSupream head . not fubordinat to the Magiftrat.
k Therefore, &c. What can befaid to ih^firft fr>poji-
sjtfwij we underftand not ; rV all Governments one
• with , and fubordin3t to the Migiftrat, are exercifed
i n his name and authority • But this Government of
) :hc Churth is cxerciled in her , in the name of
- thrift Jdus, by his Officers , as is clear from the
,word.
I %Arg* 6. The defignarions , denominations and
•e!ations,in and with which the Church js reprefented
n the Scriptures , do alfo confirme this truth ; she
« is called the Body of Chrifl , the Kjngdome of Heaven >
it the City of Cod , the Houfe tfthe living God , the new
2 JerufaUm. As all thefe do neceffirily import a Go-
vernment in the Church; fo they infinuat the fame
tobediffcrcncfrom all other Governments: Wnich
we may mould into this Argument. That foaery
which is the body ofChrift, &c. mufthaveaGo-
ivernment diftind from the Government of the civ:!
Magiftrat; But the Church is that fociety , char is
only thebodyofennfti &c. Therefore 5 &c. Obj.
h But all thefe are faidonly of the invifibV Church f
1 ]Jnf. But the contrare is clear from rhofc Scriptures ,
:: where thefe Epithets aregiven to the Chuaht i.Cor:
c iz. IJT/W.3.1J. K ^r&7<
r ^r5# 7- That Government whofe {mmed/at and
effential ends are fpecifically different > from the im J
mediae and effential ends of the Magiftrats Govern*
tnent, is diftmft from the Government of the Ma-
giftrat: But here it is fo: the effential & immediat ends
ofChurchGovernment,are different from the effential
& i m mediat end of Magillracyjas will be clear to any
that compares them togeher; The ends of Church
Government are the faveingof thefoule, the con-
verfion and edification of finners , &c. The ends
of Magiftracy , are, the outward publift peace and
profperity of the common wealth , the execution ofi
jufticein the maintaining and preferving of proprie-
ty * &c. with thefe the Churches government does
not mcdlesnor intend them, of it felf.Ofy'.The Magi-
ftrat ought to intend, and endeavour the fpintual hap-i
pincfleand wellfareofhisfubjedfa? ^w/".Wegranc
this , bur as all others ought to do it ; for every one
In their Ration are bound todefigne and labour thd
^ternal falvation of thefe under their charge ; this
b^ing a common end? that allChriftians, inched
feveral capacities , should feek after , in their love to
one another : the firft propofithn is evident , becaufe
the fpecificall diftin&ion betwixt powers, habits
andafts, is taken from thtirObjefts and immediat
proper ends •, Where thefe diff-r , they are by all
Philofophers coniiitute into different fpecies's*
In the next place we ajjert. That as the governs
ment of the Church does fpecifically differ from thd
government of the Magiftrat ; fo it is independart
thereon, and not dire&ly Tubordinac thereto. A
truth ( how much foever itbedecrytd ) wearenoc
shamed of > nor affrayed to profefs & maintaine: and
whofo
;ct hofoever will lay a fide pi e/udi ce an^ earthly inters
luls, andconfiderthefeieafons whhus, willbcforc-
n« I to acknowledge it.
v Jl>g. i. The Magiftrat is not the fcuntair.e of
fchir< h power -f it hath not its derivation from him;
ul.id therefore is not dirc&lyfubordinat to him ; The
w>nftquence is founded on this truth, granted by all
lawyers andDivines, that all power d rectiy tuboidi-
Kitto, and dependant on the Magiftrat , is derived
feom him as the fountame thereof.- the antecedent we
idlrove thus. ( i.) The Magili at as a Maaiflr3t is
ot-at a member of theChuich, but asa profeflorof
ik hnftianity , which intitles others to this pn viled^e,
iesi much as him ; Therefore he cannot be the fouo-
;i« une of Church power as fuch; for whoever is the
p-)untaineofpovvertoany fociety, is a member , yea
ioq$C nobleft member of it; Obj Bur a a ihriftian
)nei4ag<flrat he is ameaberof theChuich C *An[ I.
fie ^hat then? will this prove him to bethefountainc
hwf Chuich power? fo might Chnftian Hufoards,
parents , Sec. argue as juftly for this clame: the
:rcc::u(h is , her being only a number of the Church >
afesaChrftian , and net 2S a Magiftrat, Magftracy
wives him no more priviledge, then any other power*
itduavil or natural, when the perfontmnes Chnftian j
jllorthebenefiteofmem^iship goes on groan Js and
eafons common toallChnlhans, and contain** do
irrj.s&eciality to one more then to another. If any think
ttiaMagiftracy does, they shall do well to prove it,
arn vhich none hath yet offered to do. z. Ifmenun-
Ailerftoo4well> whac it istobeaChriftian, adifti-
nlm and member of drift's Church, they would
andiiuicklyfeeits inconfiftency with the fa.dprofeifionf
M K 2 does
(148.)
does not pcrfons , turning chriftians > profeflc fub; j,
&ion to Chrift, his La wes, Ordinances and Servant
which is repugnant to thefountaine oftheChurc
power. (2«) He may not exercife Church powei
Therefore is not the fountaine of it; all yeeld » th
thefewhoarethe fountaine of power to others mi
rzerctfe it themfelves , it being in them j and othefc
a&ing, as their delegates , in its exerrife : that til
3Wagiftrat may not exerrife Church power, isclea
for Church power , being by pofuive inliitutu
from Chrifc , they that exercife it muft have a con
million from him, which none hath produced f
the Magiftrat 2 Eraflus aflerteth it , but without^
proofe , of which it is fo deftitute > that the raoft ,
his folio wers have left him in this afiertion*
•Argy 2. All Church power islodged in and ir
ttediatly defcended from Chrift Jefus, as the S
pream Head and Ruler ot the Church) and Superio
to the Magiftrat : Therefore it is not fubordinat
the Magiftrat: The reafon of the confequence is cle;
for it is a repugnancy in a power to be imrnediat
fubordinat to two Supream powers, in one and t!
fame rcfpe&s ; efpecially where the one is fuperic^
to the other: The antecedent is manifeft* forChr
is only head of the Church \ all power in her is inl]
tute by him j exerced in his name •> aftrifted to , a
regulated by his word ; and accomptable to hi en. /
notes of power immediarly defcended from hit
OfyButthe Chriftian Magiftrat, asChafts fubl]
tute and vicegerent >is - under bi m :. the neareft and i r
media: fountaine of Church power; for fubordina
nonpugnant? Anf. Long hath the Pope of Rgmt co
tended for this , and on grounds more plaufible, rh
the
■■
lb, ( I4,,)
; ierc,on which the Magiltrat goes.Butproteftant Di-
iocs anfwer totheP,»pifts on this head , furnish us
th irrefragable anlwtrs to the M3giftrats dame;
i h ch we defire our advertises would confider & an.
f <ver at their own Ie?.iure;we rtnde not theMagiftrat in-
' :>llcd among the o ffirers of the Church , far lefle fub-
^itute for Chritts vicegerent ; if there be anyScrip-
p are for this , bring u forth ? V^e know of none as
^etailedgedbyouradverfiries; but what will plead
iri0$ftrongly, forthe heathenish Mugiftrat , asforthe
.°%hriftian: And if they do, what traitours were the
'[frpoMes > Mmifters an i Chilians of the primitive
res, that did nor acknowledge the heathenish Ma*
'" iftratcs for their head in the Church £ but refifted
. nd difobeyed their Iawesandedifls againftthem3for
frying up of another K ng , in the maters of their
.^hriftian Profeifiori.
m Arg.$. All Church power W3S inftitute by Chrift,
Jlji an irnraediat fubordination to himfelf ; without
: ly acknowledgment of, ordependance ontheMa-
i lftrat ; Therefore it is not dependant upon, nor fub-
|.T*dinatto him: The antecedmtis clear from the H i-
'a|;ory of the New Teftament , whet ewe find, that
; :hnft moulded and co lftituted {the Church by h;s
^'Vpoftles , and furnished her with a Government and
Officers s to be exercifed in his naue ; and all this he
' .id without consulting > or aiviGng with the Magi-
Wtrat , orfufpendingof her upon him ; the Magiftrat
11 this time refilling & etting himfelf,for crushing of
} ■ his Church & Kingdome ot Chrift; which hs erefted
un themidftof their Kingdoroes, making ufeof their
?pge anc* violence to eftablish and propagat it, for
; ome Hundreds of years. All this is fo evident , that
n K 3 our
(ISO.)
our adverfaries are not able torefufeit; whatisth
thcp tp iiin icr the confequence.that we draw from t
deed of Chril-f> If our oppofites in this mater col|
shew as. that theChurch had no government mftit
byChritt; norexercifed any, all the time that th.JVL
giftrat thusoppofedhimfelf toher^orthu Ghnith *|
declared his will, that she should l>e fubjefted to c1
Migiltac in her Government, whenh~j should b
couieCo/iliimj they would foon end this ftnfe: b
nothing can we Icame from them to this purpofe,
Arg. 4. As this Government was inftitute i J
Chnli and his Apoftles; fo it was exsreed in his aac
intheChmh, without dependance on the Mag
ftrac , till Conjlantine the great's time ; and fro
thence downe wjrd% till the Reformation ofRel
on brack up in Germ.mie: till which time, itw
never qudtioned by any , until Eraftus the Phyfici
arofe , who laboured not only to fubject the Churt1
to the Magftrat , in all her concearnes as (uch ; b
denied all Government to her by divine inftitut:oi:
thit is diftinrt from the Government of the Ma^
ftrac i contrare to full and clear Scripture, whic
he mol infolently and;wickediy endeavours to wre
& pervert. So then if the Government of theChurc
was m Scripture times, and down wards, till withi
thciehuidered years , exercifed without deoendanc
on the Magiftrat, both heath nish and Chnftian
then it muft yet beindenendanton , andnotdireftl
fubordinat to hi m. Here our Anta*onifts 3tre put t<
ftrange shifts: The firft three hundred years, the
muligran.; and rmy we not take this for a yeeldin^
otthecaufe? Scnprure and antiquity hath been helc
foralufficicntplea; for maters of doctrine and pra.'
etice
^ tile ; debates in Polemical divinieyhath run on thefc
]j(i.wo heads \ and whoever made out their aflertions
0 ro.nthefe, have been efteemed to carry the caule ;
1^.11 that our adversaries have to fay to this, arcthefc
\[ vvo» i. That the Govern nenc exercifed in the
l^hurch was not by divine institution and precepts;
3.ue by confederation of Churches a;id officers. To
jtchiswe reply, i. If the Epiities to TV mothy , to the
t^ven Churches in Afia. Revel, Z. and 3. Chapters ;
nth other places of Scripture, ufed by our Divines.in
, 1 lis mater> prove not the contrary, they have no fenfe:
,Ve beg of our adver fades , they will > for faving as 3
J ibour, anfwer Mr. Gillefpies Arguments from Scrips
•^irei in the fecond pare of his ^Aarons Rjd Moffom-
{jg. 2. Befids they are not able to make out whac
mficy affert , to wit , that the Church did exercifeher
., .iovemraent in thefe times, by confederation and
l.autual confent; and not by inliitution and command:
jjW as there is nothing in Scripture and pure aatiquity
.or this ; So the Churches being gathered and confti-
Jteby cheApoUlesjweprtfumejChey continued in the
ouliitutions%which the ApoiUes left,accordingto the
precepts and rule* they gave them} to which we find*
1 the word and Church Hiftory s their praftice con-
xme* When the perfecutions of the Church ceafed ,
pon the Magiftrats turning Chnftian , we find her
jontinumg, in the exercife of the former Govern-
ment , ( but with the addition of fome corruptions >
krhich grew to a fad hight afterwards, throw the
xceifive munificence & bounty of Conftdntint the
j.reati the firftChriftianEmperour) and exercifing
(he famei, as formerly ; as is clear from Hiftory;
;hatfpuks of thefe times. Here our advsifarks freak
K4 of
to*')
of fotne inftances cf the power; the Magiftrat did
cxerce in the Church j as convocating of Synods*
labouring in the peace of the Church > foielyrcntat
fome times, through fad herelks and fchifras ; And
th it faying ofConjlyitines repeated by them, ad natr
feam : vos eflis Eptfeopi ad intra, ' Ego ad extra. But
how is our Anragomfts conclusion made out by all
theie ? will it follow , that becaus the Magiftrat did
convocat Synods > its Government is derived from *
& fubordjnattohim?Nowayes,for (i ) Albeitthe
Magiftrat have a power to convocat th;; officersot
the Church, anew marers rehtingto h s owne con-
f ^ience and duty , whether about Chun h or State ;
yet this is not priva ive of the Churches power to
convocat her owne afomblics, either for worship
or government ; as we find shedidintheprimitive
times $ not only without but againfthisconient; yea
when the Magiftrat became Chrifcian , she retained
and exercifed this power in aflemblingintofeveral
Synods, without the Magiftrat. Itistrae* we do
not read of general Synods aflembled, after this, but
by the Magiftrat, till the Pope of Rome, chimed
thispower, and ufurped therein on the Chuch and
Magiftrat , as be did in all other things , but the
vaftnefs of the Empii e,and large extent of the Church
( whi ch exceeded its bound<) made this in point of
prudence necefTare , for wiitiuut the Magiftrat > it
could not eafily be done. But (2.) Convocating of
ethers » is r.otalwayeSf initsftlf, art infallible figne
ofafuj>eriour power and dominion over judicatories
convocated j as in limited Monarchies, and not
abfolute, where the Suprram power is lodged in
the Kingand States of the Kingdom; although the
King
(i«0
it King havcthc power or vouveenmg the States ; yee
Ii they share wuh him, in the leg (have and executive
!< power, while in being: cheretoietne illation isoud
and not concluded (4.) Wluc imag-nablcauvan-
tage can accrevv* to our advetiarics aiieition, by
that faying of Conjiantines , tormeriy aced * We
grant the MagUirat is the overfeer or I h n-s wichout
the Church; bjcthsw»il not prove* tn;cth. foo.
vernmeniot j he Church > is in and hom his hands *
a-d fuboruinat to hun i th.y mufc tirlc make itap-
ptarbygood reaton, that tier Government u adoc.
*r*, whichthey have not yet done* norheverwtlfj
for although it bevilble in its infdtucion and exerci-
fe; yet itisasintnnfinckto, and within hen as her
; doftrine and worship* which by this fence , will be
i. as much derived from and fubjetted to the Magi ft rat.
as her Government ^ feing the one is as viable in its
if difpenlation , as rhe other.
i Jirg* 5. The Magiltvat may not , yea cannot jure
impede and hinder the exerdie oi th . Churchis go-
vernment: therefore it is not derived f:om , noriub-
jefted to him; the reafoa ot this confeqnence is9
what ever power is derived from the M 'gtltrat , and
fubordin3ted dueftly to him > he may fufpend , Ivn-
derttsexercife, yea he may to- ally remove and an*
nihilatic: thisisyecldedby ail, anj t-kcnfoiafurc
Jvlaximein Politicks: bucrheM:g Itracmay not do
this > in rhe Government of the Church; and that
becausitis of divine inititution, a id the perfons in-
trufted with » and called roitsexercife* are under the
obligations of divide precepts a 1 1 commands for it f
which the Migiftat cannot hinder > nor by any deed
or command of h&> auk; vxd. Theft chat deny
K 5 this
054.)
this divine inftitution of Church Government, w<
reter co the forested book ; where ic is ftrongly plea
dcd & made ouc from dear and exprefs Scriptures in
the New Teftament. Likwife as he cannot impede
nsexercife, fo he may not nullity its fentences , by
hmlclf, which he may do in the fcntences pjfied by all
powers , d-nved from and fubordinat to himfelr.
Arg.6. The Chnftian Magiftrat , isbyvertueof
his Chnftian profeilion , bouod to fubject himfclf to
the afts & exercife ©fChurchGovernmencm the hand
of Church Officersjand is as much obieidged to yeeid
thereto, as any other: Therefore Church power is
nor dire&iy fubordinat to him. The antecedent is
clear j for all are commanded fubmiiiion and obedien-
ce to Church Officers, in the exercife of their power,
in watching, overfeeing, and rulcing of the Church
Hcb. i}.7> 17. to which exercife of their power,
we finde Magiftrats in the word fubmitting , as U%j>
ZlA , who was by thepriehsjconformetothelaw
r» * ■ 1 /- i i t r* f it i • r r~ « »
ftparated and fecluded from the holy things of God ,
and communion with the Church inthefe; yea, it
is given for the mamecauieofallthac heavy wrath
and judgment, that came on fydekjub z.Cbron. 36.
"12. that he humbled not himfelibdo:? Jeremiah, the
prophet 3 fpeaking the word of the Lord to him*
Obj. But this fubjedion in Magiliiacs to Church Of-
ficers 3 is pioperly to ChriS, and not to them? Anf.
weconfels, ihefubje&ion is primary and cheiily to
Chnft Jellis, whom iuch, in the exercife of their
Office , doerepiefent j yet the fubjeftion is to them
too, whom all, without exception of any in the
Church , are commanded to receive , hear and obey:
fochat ia the difpenfatiqn of holy things, they are
fupenour
(155)
fupenour to all in the Clinch, Magiftrats and others,
as their coattitut Rulers, Overieers, GovernoursdnJ
Watch men , whom they ou^httoobey \ when a.
ftin^ in their Off ce, a^reableto thelaw of Chnft :
which ohedience is not CAT ACHRESTIC A Lot
iABUUVE (is V1D&LIUS fptaks ) in the Ma-
giftiat, but proper and really va debt theyo<\e to the
Mimfters or. theGoipel dilpenfing holy th n^ , as
much as any other member of the Church; their
obligation to it being otihe lame kmJeanu natu e,
with rhe obligation of orhers. If any think other*
waye*, let them produce their reafons and ^enptutcs.
2. It tne fiery and zealous promotteis of the Md-
giftr ts power, mmdovertheCnurchoi Goj aid
confider the true and real prejudice tn ydotoMa-
#gilirat« i by exeemingenem tro«n that iubjtdtion ,
that thty, with all others , owe to Church Officers,
th«ry would ( ir there be any fenie or Religion and its
advantages remaining with men ) hold their hand;
and shouid have little thanks from Magiftrats » for
their prepofterous zeal, who , by their opinonsia
this mater, do really exclude Magiftrats from rhe
Communion of the Church , and the beneriteof the
j ordinance of Church Government 5 which in its de-
figne and effects is for faving of the (oul , as well as
all«th?r ordinances. Orher Argument might be
adduced, as the; want of power in the Mig it at to
alter and change the Government of thfi Cniuchj oc
conulluyics)uftkntciH,eipain.d; &c.
SECT.
<i5<g
Sect. VII.
The finfulnefs of the Ecclefiaftick Supreamacy
m anifeftcd.
BUt judging* thefe fufficient to the conviftion of
;he unprejndged; we coroeito the other part of our
ta<»k , which is ro shew* that th«s vifibleintrinfick go»
vern.^enc of the Church is aiTumed by > and given to
our Rulers , in the prefent ftmding laws of rhe King*
dorn j which we shall make out from thz aEts of
Parliament*, particularly aBofreftitution. Park i. Serf".
2. AB> i„ act anent the National Synod Pari. i. Seff.$.
AB;. 4. a£t againji Conventicles Pari. £. Scff. 5. aB a.
gainft tQepers of Conventicles and withirawers &c*
Pari. 2. Seff. ;* Aft. 17. ad: Jgtinsl unlawful ordinatU
ons Pari. 2*Seft.$. with others of the like nature-
Butt before we enter on the probation of this > it
will benece(Tare> for clearing our way to it, tocon-
fiderahtde two things , in civ: beginning of the nar-
ratv: of th: aft of reftitutioo , repeated in feveral
aft;: where>/?r/i • the Government- of che Church
is called theexrernal Government of the fame: the
tearm, EXTERNAL* bein^ Notourly ambigu-
ous .should hive been explained>& all not left to guefs
at its meaning: EXTERNAL is by fomeoppofed
to th: internal invfitte Government of Chrift on the
fouls of his people;* andfo by it they underftand,
the vifible ntrinSck Government of the vifible
Church: th it this is meant by the tearm EXTEf^-
fJAL GOVERNMENT, in this and other afts> the
following Arguments ^undertake to make out: but
forac
I(i57«)
bme others oppofe the terme EXTERNAL GO*
SERJNMENT , to this mtrinfick vifible Govern-
Deotof the Church , formerly defcribed and avert-
ed to be diftinft from, and mdependant ontheMa-
flrac; and by it they do understand > thefe humane
adjun&s and accidents, that are civil in themfelves 5
and not made facred by divine inftitution.Torne plead
this to be the fenfe of thefe terras , in the afts of
Park ; but how groundlefly let our fubfequent rea.
fons determine. Secondly, It isthere faid, thacihe
ordering and difpofing of the external government
of the Church belongs to the Crowne , &c it is hard
to fenfethis; for ordering and difpofing, when done
by perfons in authority , is a pare of government in
itfelf; and if it be fo, the Phrafe is equivalent to
this, the governing of the external government of
the Church: whichisaftrange fort offpeach, as if
a government needed a government to governe it ;
What if this were faid of the government of the
government of the State? Would it not be reputed
non- fenfe? But the truth is,* all governments do
neccflarily imply a power to difpofe and order all
things relating to ic , asapartofthefarce ; & with-
out which it were iroperfeft; and it is without difrut
evident from the experience of the Church under
heathenish M?giftrats; that the government of the
Church had this , which by this aft is taken frotn
hen Next, we ask, whether this ordering and dipof-
ing be an aft of the Ecclefaftick or civil government*
I fit be of the Ecclefiaftick > it isagane non ? fenfe f
at the belt,. a^disaMuuchasifichadb^enfaid, the
Ecclefiaftical governing of the Ecdefiaftical govern-
mentof the Church j aperfeft tautology* B^ £»«
bC an
.
0s%
bean aft of the civil government; how coroesit,
that in this and orher a&*'of Pailiitnent, it is called
the things Ecclefiafiica1 Government* in oppofmon to
thccivik Ofy. it is only objectively fo called. An{>
Then it is properly and torn ally civil, thephiafe,
objectively Ecclefialfccal being QAlACH^E-
S TJCAL and ABUSIVE ; a very improper fpeach;
yea as improper , as itVe should c ail Church po-
wer or Governmenr,in the hands of Church officers,
objectively civil > or civil. Thirdly , Jn the lalt
place we defire to know, whether this ordering or
difpofmg of the Government of the Church be
tieceflary, or not ? It it be not neceffary , why is the
Church trcubkd with it i Jfit be, weaskagaine,
when it was exercifed by the Church* whether it
was an aft of civil or Church Government i It could
not be of the civil ; for the Church had nqne under
perfecuting Ivlag ftrats ; if it was an aft of the Ec-
clefiafticsl or Church Government; rhen it was pu-
rely and formally fuch; and not ttuely civil, although
exercifid about thrngs civil in their ownenatme,
and feing it was fo , how comes it to be the Aiagi-
iiratsnow? Toanyconfidcratand unbyafled reader,
it will be manifcft, that theie words or expreffons
come from mindes , defigning the enhanfing of the
intrinfick vifible Government of the Church, and
withall labouring to cover it ; but all in vaine.
Now that the Ecclefialiical Government of the
Church , formally and intrinfically fuch, isatfuroed
by , and given to the Magiftrat, in the prefent ttand-
ioglawes, will be apparent to any that confider
thefethings, in theforecired a&$ of Parliament, (i.)
That Church officers > in the exercife of Church go-
vernment
059 J
vernmenr, in their Church aflemblies or judicatories,
ire puc in d petidance upon , and fubordinared ro the
King , as Supream to them therein : this makes the
Kmg the fountame of Church power , & the Church
officers to derive and hold their power or him; which
makes our King the proper Head of the Church > 8c
fubftituts him inChrifts roometoher. ($.) The go-
vernment of the Church, thus fubjefted to & depen-
dant on rheKing as Supream, is, in thcatlofrejlitution,
extended to and made to take in ordination > aftsof
difcipJine, inflifting of Church cenfures; yea to all
caufes and matters formally Ecclefiafiical ; to all »
about whichChurch power isexerced* he is made
the fupream. (\$.) All Church power and junftii-
ftion , as it was exercifed in this Church ( before
the late introdu&ion of prelacy ) without this deri-
vation from and fubordination totheiVPgiftrat, is
refcinded and annulled ; 'certainly in thefe rimes, the
JVlagiftrat had and did exercife a power about C hurch
matters ; as is to be fcenin the laws then made in
their behalf; but this does not now content , with-
out this fupremacy $ which imports another power
acclamed by the Magiftrat now * that was not then.
[(4.) This fupremacy , and ( as it is called ) the Rjyd
prerogative of the Crown , is given for the maine rea-
fon ot the change made in theGevernment of the
Church, in overturning and cafcingout of the true
! government, that then was, and bringing in ano-
ther in its ftead, without the authority and concur-
rence of the Church : a fair opened doore,for bring-
ing in the like alteration and change in doftrineand
worshp, when there is accefs to ir. (5.) Prelacyby
this aft is rcftored, not only to the former height
it was
(t6o.)
it was at j and had attained by law and praftice, before |
itslafc ejection out of this Church; but alfo to all
chaceverir was , even in the times of popery ; which
whaiconfidered , in the corifttnrionandpnvtledges
it thenhad, wasan humane OfTce foundedonthe
Supremacy of the Pope ?- but no w , by this law , on JCJ
the Ma^iftrat/ which fayes, thaulthoughcheper-i
fons be changed . yet the Supremacy is the fame.
/ 6 J In the aft anent the National Synod » the no-
minationandeleftionofpcrfons , by whonthe go*
vernment of t he Church is to be^exercifed, under the
King* is aflerted to be the Kings , byvertueof his
royal prerogative and fupremacy* incaufes Eccle-
fiaftical \ (o that the conftitution of Church judica-
tories is made dependant upon him: athingnever
heard of nor pra&ifed in this or any other Church,1
till of late. (7) The right, being and conftitution1
of the National Synod of this Church , is wholly
dependant upon , and derived from this law ; So as
it is no Synod of this Church , that is not gathered,
andconftituteconforme to it; although a Synod in
this Church should have all » that made Synods
lawful, and their afts obligatory, in former doles.
(3) The particular conftitution of this National
Synod , as to its members, f which in this aft are
nominated|and regulated ihereby,fora!l future times)
is determined fonts'tiroes and places of meeting, and
put wholly in the Kings hand , and aflerted to be his
right , by vertue of his Supremacy over this Church:
ItisnoSyncdrhatisnotthtts'convocated. (9.) The
maters to ht bandied , debated , and concluded in
this Synod ( a thing alwayes judged intrinfickto the
Church )comes only from the King, & are to be pro.
pofed
orcrpofcd from him, by the Arch-prelat of Saint Andrews
ull and no ochcr: a fearful retraining or the divine liberty
lick of the Miniftersof the Gofpel , who maynotfpeak
piof maters of doctrine & manners, (although ncceffary
thcljfor the times) contrare to the freedorrie , that is
on (Commanded them by their mafter, antntthefe, (10.)
The King's > orhis CommiiConersprelence is n;adc
;(Tential to theconftitution, and of binding force to
(this national! Synod : It is no Synod > although con-
^Ijfticute after the paterne of Church Synods, in the
^'primitive times ; if it want this, fn.j No mater
hi$ ^debated ar,d concluded by the Majority of this Sy-
:le.,nodi i$ obligatory on this Church , and its raem-
;a. jbers > if not approven and allowed by the King or his
rer-Commiffioncr, This fufpends the intrinfick obligati-
on of Synods on the King • fo chat no canon , aft or
ij:onftitution > dobinde the members of rhe Church,
iff bcaflent not : As this fecures the Come, in their
barnal liberties and finful wayes ; fo it shuts the door
pn all endeavours of reformatiou by the Church,
livhea Princes are vicious (12.; In the aft aflerting
:he Kings Supremacy EccleGaftick, the King & his
[fucceiTors are enabled and impowered to medle with
ill maters and meetings Ecclefiaftick > which brings
:he doftrine and worship within his verge , and Tub-
|efts the fame to him , as much as the government.
13.) They are impowered to enaft and emit conftt*
utions, afts, and orders, anent maters and meetings
; EccleGaftick, as they pleafe and think fit, and are not,
'he i) the making of thefe , aftrifted to any rule, bat
ljnj:heirpleafure, O HOKl{ENDUM\ (14.) Allthefc
jifts and orders they may ftature, independanton the
.Shurch j Parliament* or any other, by their foleau-
L thority
thority i never granted to any of his predeceffburs b|o
fore. (15.) Thefe a&s and conftitutions infert,
rhebook ofCouncel, and duely published, aredfj
dared and nadeto be of full force and obligation
this Church and her members. No need of SynooL
here, which by this are wholly fubverted. 06.) A, jo
former la wts , afts and claufesof them, contniret
and inconfiftent with this , are made void , cafTedii
annulled j which takes away the Proteftanc Religion 0
the Word of God as the rule, the concurrence o i
the Church in thealliliance of the conftitutions Eqi
clcfiaftical , that was provided and fecured by formej
a&sof Parliarenc.a wide door for Popeiy. (17. )I;
the aft agamft unlawful Ordinations ( as thy cal
then ) the Ordination of perfons to rhe Miniftiy b;
Miniitersof Chrift Jefus . that have not conformed
to Prelacy, (which was held unqueftionable & valiq
for its fubftancc by all , till this late gang of Prelate
arofe > in which they are degenerat from their pre.
decefiburs) is, by the fole authority of the Magiftrat
made void ; and all Minilterial a&s , and Church be.|
taefi 1 es depending thereon, declared to be nul. At:
aft that unchriftians and condemns all the reformed
Churches 3 making their Churches no Minilterial
polit real Churches , and all Ordinances , difpenfec}
in them, nullities: which their praftice atthistime^
in England does confirme ; while Romivh Priefts
turning Proteftants * are , without ordination, made
capable , and advanced to Church places and prefer-,
merits; of which the Proteftant Minifters of other
Churches , conforming to Prelacy, are denied, till
they be reordained. Other mediums contained in
other a&s of ParliamentSjfor fixing of thepreceeding
conclufi-
fconclufions > wepaffe; having hinted at fome of them
bove ; judging rhefe fufficient > forrhe convidtion
fefihtunintereffcd& unprejudged ; whochroughche
'•owcr of lull and earthly intereft , have not caft
0 iff the light of the word > but keeps in fubje&ion
ft We shall in the laft place anfwer fome objections $
^i which , we have to do with two fortes of per-
o^ns; firft > the hign flowne Erafiians of our times >
ectyho will admit of no government in the ChuJ ch, but
Ecy!bat which is in and from the Magiftrat whofe de-
^tgne , ( as is evident from the aft afferting the
)'iljngs Supremacy) is* to take all Government outof
ate Churches hands ; and co put it on the King & his
b]-:ouncel , to be only exercited by them; which »
#ow the diflike of Prelacy, is not fufficiently la-
Rented, laid to heart, nor refitted by many, as its
dangerous confeqrjences> to all the concerns of the
hurch, do require. Befidesthefe, there are^who,
\ upon what principle is not yet known, ) think that
ht Supremacy , as it is now afierted by law , is noc
ormally Etclefiaftical , but only objectively fo 5
^i'hich is ftrange : fome of the objections of the firft
2 »rt , we have met with > as we went a!ong.the for-
mer heads; weknow of no other , befidesthefe>of
: ra: )V conGderable ftrength , but one.
Obj. That the Magiftrat being the keeper of both
bles of the law ; of the table of Religion , as well
of the table of Righceoufnefs;ought to have a care
\ Religion , and hath power given him to exercife
about the fame ? An wer This being the Achilles
^fihe Erafiians , and femi Erafiians; of F IDE LJUS
^ particular i We shall rcturne thtfe anfwerstoitj
L z and
M
and shew it cannot bear their conclufion. x. What
ever power the Chriftian Magiftrat can clame by this!
the heathenish Magiftrat hath the fame ; he is by hi
iVlagiltratKal office conftitute, in a£tu prlmo> a Keepe
ofborb tables ^ as is evident from, ifyw. 13: 1,2.
If he do not exercife it 5 it comes not from any defe£
ofpowerinfrs office, or the inflitution of it- bu
from his blindnefs and unbeleef, which indifpofes
hiro toanfwer his truft, and to do the work of hi
office; towhich> upon the revelation of the Gofpel
he is bound: andfeing itisfo > either rhe Church, it
cxercifing of her Government indtpendantly 01
heathenish Magiftrats , ufurped on his office & pa
wer ; which the adverfary dare no fay : Or elsth<
Chriftian Magiftrat harh no more power in & ove
rhe Church s then the other had : and therefore th
Church, in exercifing her power under the Chriftiat
Magiftrat, does not ufurp upon him , more then 01
the other. 2* The Minifters of the Gofpel are
by vertue of their office, Keepers of both tables o
the law, of the table of Righteoufnefs , as wella
of the table of Religion: will it from thence follow
that they may raedle with the Magiftrats office, anc
affume its exercife; or that the fame does depend ot
them? No wayes: andyettheconfequenceisasgooc
in the one as in the other: by the fame medium w
shall prove Minifters, have as good right and powc
to manage the affairs of the State; as the Magiftra
hath ( in our adverfaries fenfe ) to manage the affair
of the Church. We know they will rejeft the con
fequence with difdaine , as to Minifters , and ask fo
our proofe, for which, we grant, they have juft caufe
fo we deny the conference as co the Magiftrat, fo
whicf
^hich they have not given us yet any colourable
JSroofe; bucdiaacor-hkeaflercit. The truth is, every
[roan in his capacity is a Keeper of boch tables of the
Pe'.aw ; but in doing of it , is to hold within the com-
pbaflcofhisftation, the nature, andliraitesofthepo-
eitwer granted h»ra; and is not to invade the office and
ru x> wer of others , nor the work proper thereto: as
vj is evident from multitude of precepts in the Word
,1 of God. So if Mmifters, notwithilanding their being
11 Keepers of the tables of the law , may not invade the
,nj Magi ft rats office and power ; So neither may Magi-
ou ftracs invade the Minifterial office and power. $•
P^Theaftsand wayes of the Magiftrats keeping of the
^ rabies of the law, should anlwer, and be agreable to
7erohe nature , extent, and limits of his office 6c power;
Nvithin the verge of which , he is to walk , as all o-
ltl3phersareto do in theirs; As Mmifters are to keep both
nTche tables of the la w by preaching the word, difpenf-
reng of Ordinances, and exercifing of discipline, ac-
]° cording to the rules of the word \ to which they are
j'Timpowered by the inftitutions and commands of
lw'Chnft, without dependance on the Magiftrat; fo
jthe Magiftrat is to keep them likwife , by command*
ting all to their feveral duties , protecting them there-
in by the fword > which is given him for that end $
u Executing of juftice in punishing of evildoers *
fjand rewarding the good , &c. but is not to medle
With the Government of the Church , in whole or
in part $ but to fee that it be done by thefe , whom
Chrift hath called to and intrufted with it.
It is objecled by others, thatitisnottheintrinfick
vi6ble and internal Government of the Church > that
the Magiftrat aflumes , in the afts of Parliament ; ic
L 3 is
(i66.)
is only the external Government, that is expreflcl
fo called , in the a& of reftitution ? Anf. This i
materially Anfwered above ; but that we may b
di ftm& i there are two things belonging to thlj1
Church. ( i. ) The outward and external adjunft %
or accidents ; As the Siotica or Mundana, Stipends
Minfe Giybs, outward liberty aud peace, 8cC
( 2. ) The proper and true objefts of Church Go k
ver iment or power;thit are intrinfick to tt} although t!
vifible y as the Word , Ordmances > Mmiftery anJ
nece(Tary circumftances &c. It is not thzfirft of thefe!
but the fecond that the a& of reliitution withothc
a&sdotruely mean , as is undoubtedly made out b)
the former arguments ; as particularly the firft three
th.it it is the Church judicatories ; the maters hand
led in and by them , proper thereto , thatconftitut
the King Supream ; thefe being cffential andintrin
ficktothe Gov^rnm-ntof theChurch> in itsfevera
parts : h" that is made fupream to thefe >, is made
fupreara to the Church, and all that appertained
her.
Oij. 2. Bat it is only the ordering and difpofeing
of the Government , that is declared to belong to
the King. lAnf. It is fofaid in that aft , but it is
evident from the mater and frame of it > that it is the
Government in whole that is truely meant and in
tended , as is formerly proven. But z. Ordering
and difpoflng of things f proper andfpecificktoany
Government, is a part of the Government it felf ;
and to whom the Government belongs > the ordei ing
of it belongs likwife: by the fame reafons that any
shall undertake to prove, that the ordering and dif.
pofemg of the civil Government belongs to the Ma.
giftrac
(r<57.)
tfcKjiftrat; we shall prove the ordering anddiTpoling
to ii,rf the Church ,s Government does belong to Church
;/DtDff,cers : no Government can be perfect without it*
o tht >r able to atcaine its ends, and therefore muitnecef-
'HQ&fctriiy be implyed in , and intrinfkk to it.
toil Ob). $. B j. there are Jome acts of Church power
k he Magiftrat may do, as convocating or Synods,
jo lecermining of circumftanccs, indicting ofpubhct
)ug.:j.:alis and thanksgivings? ^Anf As we deny all formal
a Church power co rhe Magiftrat, andalla&s formally
ifeoroceding therefrom*, fo we grant there are acts,
t Firft , fome common as prayer , rebuking > in-
rbyftructing of ochers, and others of the like nature:
ree which, when they come from a Church OfT.cer, are
id, mthoritative 2nd afts of Church power \ that areyex
Miiiperformable by others , incheirftatioas, and (foto
m, tpeak ) Me chart tat he. %. Some are proper and only
^belongs to Church Officers, as preaching of the Gof-
ifcpeI,difpenfingofthe Sacraments, exercife of Church
r, diicipline, &c. We doe not deny, but chierfully
grant (wishing with all our hearts, there weremany
iiajffuch Magiftrats in the Church) that the Magiftrat
lch ought to rebuke, to exhort, admonish, inftruct&
is^pray , &c. As all others in their ftations and offices
teishoulddo; but fiomihence it will not follow, that
i«. he may exercife formal afts of Church power , more
]r. then others; or that the Church power is dependant
don him : the Confequence^is wide. Buttothepar-
'. ticularinftances ; as , that of convocating of Synods
a; or any Church judicatory , we fay , it is within the
p verge of his power, as a Magiftrat, who may and
; !; ought to command all within his dominions, to their
, n feveral duties , and Minifies among ochers, as they
L 4 oughc
c
ft
(16%.)
ought to doe to hirnXo theMagiftrats convacatfng oi
Mimiltrs,is but a putting of them to their duty, which
in the Ma^iftrac is no aft of Church power; but an aft
of his office he owes to all. 2. This aft or deed of the
IVlagiflrat) is not pi ivativeof the fame in the Officers
of the Church, who may & ought come togetherof
then lelves , as the neceilities of the Church requires
On the by 3 it is an evil confequence ;theMagiftra
itay gather Synods; .therefore Minifters may noc
doe it : I c is like to this , others may rebuke, admo-
nish? &c. Therefore Miniliers may not doe it* For
although the Magiftrat have an imperative power
over al 1 ; yet it is not privative of any power in others
that is proper to their ftation and office. (2.) As
for rhe determining of the circumiiances in Govern-
ment we reply, there are two forts of circumftan-
cesreiateingtoihefe, firftfomeextrinfick* and not
in themfelves (imply neceiTare, although convenient;
as Churches of fuch and fuch formes, pulpets, or
naments, &c. Thefe, being in their natural ufe civil*
belong to the ]V)3giftrat, and are direftly under
his power , to order anddifpofe* Next 2. There
arefome circumftances intrinfick to the aftionsof!
worship and Government , andfo connefted there- 1
with j in that degree of necedity, that they cannot
be performed without them ; and come within the I
compafs of divine commands, on which* the mo-
rality of individual aftions, as to their goodnesand
evil , pro hie & nunc does depend ; as fuch and fuch
petfons , doftnnes , times , places* helps , &c.
which all morahfts and divines make to fpecify all
humane aftions, as to their morality in individuo.
Of thefeweaffert > that the determination of them >
as
(16c,.)
!das they refpefl: worship and Government , and are
icii connected with them , belongs to the Officers of the
aftChurch. and no: cothe Magiftrat: we have given
%foroe reafons for this before , as i . we fee commands
:eijgiven to the Church about them , and not to the
roiMagiftrar.j i. Cor. 14* 2. If the determination
:es,;of chefe werein theMagiliracs power, it should be
feikewifein his power , to hinder, impede and obftruft
nocill right worship and Government, initsexercife,at
Mis pleafure for whoever hath thefe things in his
:o:.oower , without which, the adions of worship and
^Government cannot be performed, hath the a&ions
Wxijn his power to hinder or not* }♦ The confequen-
Asc :es of granting this to the Magiftrat are mifcheivous :
in-Korby this , if he do not wholly hinder the exercife
2D.;.|)f the Miniiterial office and power; yet he may re-
oo[?<lri& and limit it fo 5 as to bring them underdread-
or^iful unfaithfuincfs in their Miniftry or office $ he may
>inde them up from preaching fuch and fuch do*
itrines, that j ac fuch and fuch times and in fuch
derfirafes, God calleth them to preach. As for the
3.) Inftance, forindifting ofdayes for folemne
falling and humiliation or of thankfgiving; wefay,
hat we reckon it among thefe common duties of
ileligion, that every Chnftian, in his Ration, is bound
;>y the command ofGodtoobierve ; and according
io the extent of their power to fee them obferved by
khers under them , when the difpenfations of mercy
nd judgment cab them to thefe; as is clear from
(he precepts and examples wc have in the word ;fo
'hat all Chriftians, in their feveral capacities, offices.
towers and extent of the fame % have the power of
indifting and keeping of fuch times anddayes; as
L $ JMaflers
(i7oO
M^fters in families, paltours in congregations , or
in their aiTooations , and Magilfcracs, &c. From
this ic will not follow, that Magiiirats , Matters ot
Families, &c. their indicting of fuch dayes for divine
1 exercifes , is an aft of Church power ; although it
be fuch m the Officers of the Church) and as it comes
from them: no more then others rebuking, exhor
ting, &c. is an a£t of Church authority and power
although it be fo from them. 2. That it only belong;
totheMjgiftrattoindift dayesofpublift failings, ox
ofthjnkfgiving, & not to the paftours of the Church
where hath our antagonitis learned this * Wegram
the Magiftrat participacs with others in this power
but the nature of thefe duties , the precepts , anc
examples of the word , iropowers others in their ea
pacifies , as much as him ; it were eafy to make thi
out. We acknowledge? forthe more harmony ic
this public!: work, and convenient following of it
with benefite and advantage to Church and State
were expedient , that Magiiirats and Miai Iters die
previously confult * and agree about publitt fafts anc
thankfgiving : but to arfi me this* to the privation o
the power and obligations > laid on others anent it
is not only an encroachment on ths divine rights oi,
others, but aloofiogof thefe bonds, with whicf}
God hachtyedthem ; and what is this but to fight; 0
againftGod in the perfones of his Creaturs,
Obj. 4. Seing Mimftcrs are bound to givea(,D
accompttotheMigiftrat , when required , ofwhai)
they do , in the Government of the Church ; will i\ j
not follow, thsyarefubordinat to him info far, ir
itsexercife? tAnf. Nowayes; for (1.) They ftanc
oblidged to do the like to all others > over whorr
thej
r they are fet, and do rule; when their carnage in the
1 Mmiftry is Humbling and offenfive to them; to which
ir they are obhdged , bu:h by general and particular
|t precepts; and yet it will noc follow, that in their Mi-
[\ niltry cheyare fubordinac to fuch. (2.; TheMagi-
5 ftrat by vcrtueof his profeffed fub/eftion to Chrift, is
'• bound to give an accompcofhis aftin^s in his Go-
Mvernment to Matters and others, when he proverh
fcandalous and offenfive : which many of them have
'.done. To this they are obhedged , both on the ac-
co-npt of their promifedfubjeftioo to the word, its
wj ordinances , and Chrifts fervants , difpenfing the
:ri fame; andhkewifeon the accompc of Charity and
'-love, that binds all, not only to endeavour the pre-
senting, but removing of offences, when given; to
Hvhich the Magiftrat is as incident , in his capacity ,
as others ; as alas fad experience puts beyond de-
bate!
Obj. 5. But as the Government of the Church,
wd its exercife , is the object of the Migiitrats po-
wer and its afts; does he not aft about thofe im-
perially > and ArcbiteBonice $ And if ic befo, is he
aot Supream to & above the Mmifters of the Churchy
mdcheyfubordinattohim ? Anf. This is the obje-
I1 it ion of the greJteft teeming ftrength ; but on a feri-
!>us coufideration of it , its weaknefs will foon ap*
!>eir. Weyeeld, without any advantage to our ene.
jniescaufe,that whit the Magiftrat does as fuch, a.
>out Church maters and officers , he does it imperii
illy an 1 with dominion , and ( as they ufe to fpeak )
irchiteEtonice : but what then? It proves the perfons
0 be fubordinat to the Magiltrac in thefe his afts j
Wnot the power in its exercife j nor the maters a-
bouc
(i7i.)
tout which it is exercifed, for (r; The Magiftrat,
when he by his irreligious and unjuit carriage in his
office > or otherwayes , becomes nocorioufly fcan-
dalous to the Church , is lyable to Mimftenal admo.
nitions, rebukes, fecluGons from the Sacraments,
&c. And is thereby fubordinac to Church power? or
the Minifters of Chrift io exercing it about him j and
yet the Magiftratical power, and its exercife,is not
fubjeft to them, whatever refittenceour oppofits make
to this mutual (ubordmacion of the perfons of Magi-
ftrats and Minifters : yet they muft either deny the
Chriftian Magifcrats the benefits of the Gofpel & its
ordinances , difpenfed by Minifters ; or elsyeeld this
truth. Is it not clear in other powers or relations ? as
fuppone, one isjboth a Magiftrat and a Son, is there
not here a reciprocal fubordmation and fuperiority of
perfons with a coordination of powers , as is hinted
above? We plead no more for the Minifters of the
Gofpel, and the Government of the Church com
mited to them. We grant a great difference in other
refpeds , betwixt the Magiftrat and Minifters ; they
aft as meerfervants , without all dominion in them ;
He with dominion and Magiftratical authority over
the perfons of Minifters/ yet forailthis the powers
arecoordinat , and in their exercife not dire&ly fub-
jeft to one another. (2.; Thsfe powers, their ex-
erclfe, and refpeftive objrfts becoming reciprocally
the objeft of one another ( as the Mmiftryandits
obje&s being one pare of the Magiftcats power, the
Magiftrat and the obje&s of his power , being like-
wife a part of the objeft about which Minifters exer-
cife their power; und-r different formalities and
fpecifications > there arifes or reflilts , not only a
fweet
It| fweet harmony, and a mutual fubferviency to one
"another, in advancing of cheir rclpedtive ends $ buc
Iikewife an indireft (ubordination to one another , in
the exercife of their powers , without any depen-
danceof thefe powers upon one another. But this
^ fubordination is only of the perfons, and not of the
powers: which by being ihe mutual objects of one
anoihers powers , does not fubjeft the power, and
Jjits exercife, but only the perfons ; for any thing
j. or power becoming the object of another, does not
ljCj:f fubordinac ic to that povyer; the Word, Ordinances,
iJS&c. are not, by being the objeft either of the Mini.
^Serial or the Magiilracical power , fubordinated or
gUfubjeA thereto; fo that the Miniftcrial power, its
,rcicxercife , and the maters about which it converfes,
0fbare not by being the objeft of the Magiftrats power
J fubordinated to it. This breaks the force of our ad«<
UJverfaries Argument, which lyes mainly in this.
Obj. 6. It is only this fort of Supremacy and
fubordination , that the aft of reititution does mean ?
Anf. It is not fo , as is clear from the words and
'frame of the afts; for it is the Church alTemblies,
their proper maters, their conftitution, theintrin-
lick obligation of their conclufions, that are fubor-
;dinatedtotheM^giftratj fo that all is nothing with-
out him.
'L Obj. j. All Divines, even the Presbyterians and
, independents in the Church of England , grant the
Magiftrat tobeSupream in all caufes, and over all
perfons Ecclefialiical ; none of themfcrupleto take
jthe oath of Supremacy , as it is eftablished by law in
jthat Kingdom f AnJ. All Divines do not grant this,
\ J as is to be feen in the writings of many ; and for any
wj thing
(1740
thing wc know , it is not yeelded by the Presbyteri-
an > and Independants, in the fenfe controverted a-;
mongusi neithercanit, feing it quyt overthrows,
all Church Government, in its diftwftion from and
independency on the civil Government of the Magi-
ftrat , which is contrare to the known principle s both
of Presbyterians and Independants ; and if the Pre-
lats themfelves durft fpeak their rcinde* conform e to<
their owne principles, they would not in this differ
from us (as Thomdike more free and engenuous then
the reft of his party does decjame andcryoutagainfti
the oath of Supremacy, as the great crying fin of thei
Church of England*) but coanexcefle, would afferti
all) and much more, then we do, in thismarer^
were it not for fear of offending the Mag ftrat > oni
whom now they wholly depend , and whofe Crea-i
turs they only aref; which hath in our times recon-
ciled the Pretatical and Erafiian principles , at Ie<fti
in appearance , that are moli contrare to and diftand
from one another, yea more then theirs and ours. Andi
although the Presbyterians and Independants, in thei
Church of England* do take the oath of Supremacy J
yet it is with iuch explications , allowed & afftntedi
to by the Magiftrat, that give it a found /enfe, whichj
was ftumblcd and fcrupled at both ir Que*en Elizabeth]
and King James times , till its fenfe wasexplicat,andl
allowed; as is to be feen in the inftru&ions given to '
juttices of the peace, by Queen Elizabeth, for admini-
ftrating the faid oath; & Bishop Ushers explanation of
it>approven by Kingjamesiln which fenfe it is under- !
ftood & taken to this day among them. But to under-
ftand this mater aright, and to avoid the labyrinth of
generalities & ambiguities, with which, foroe divines
perplex
i, perplex & intricatit j it would be confidered. I.
•..That there i<a two f< Id proper fupremacy, one civil,
$„and another EccleGaftical, about Church power,
^meetings and maters. 2, There 2re two Kinds of
U Caufes, of thoie they call Ecclefiaflical ;. feme that
(feare only cxtrinfically fuch , but in their nature, im-
e. mediatends and ufe, civil, that, for their more remote
tortnds and refptds to things truely ar.d properly fa-
fencred, are called Ecclefiaftical , as lawes made for the
enr;Church & her concerns , outward liber ty and peace >
^external rewards and punishments, &c. Againefome
fcraufes EccleGaftical are intrinsically and formally
a uch , as who shall preach the Gofpei , & be invefted
r, with the Mimftery , or who shall be depofedfrom
on ,li who shall be rebuked, admonished andexcom-
i-.ttunicated; or received and admitted into the Church,
».fcc. $. The tern e CAUSES is not here toheun-
:.&;jerftood in a phyfical3bi't moral and juridical fenfe;
jog hat is , for queftions to be decided by thofe , who
ireimpowered, either by God or men, ro this work.
k ^.Cauies or queftions, as they are the objtft of power
{jfj k its exercife, are either proper and immediat; or els
:ed;improper and remote. Hence we fay 1 That the Ma-
ch jiftrat is Suprean. Governour in all things or caufes,
■J: >rcperly civil, relating to caufes and perfons Eccle-
jinjjiaftical : the judicial cognition and definirivejudg-
0 nent of thefe belong to him , and net to the Chinch:
unJn this fenfe we admit the oath ofSupremacy,&dec!ar-
oof: fd ourfelves willing to take it , which was refufed us*
jcr-llt That the Magiftrat is not the futueme Governour
Ler- in Caufes , and ^ver perfons formally Ecclefiaflical »
irfjiChis we affert belongs toChrift Jefusonly , and noc
ires j° the Magiftrac> as hath been proven above. This is
pla'.i ^c
(167.)
the fuprcraacyi wcdeny totheMagiftrat \ andfc
which we have declined to take the oath anentit
that is now established Jaw, being perfwaded (fc
thereafons formerly given) that this is the fupreraac
granted bylaw; and underftood in this oath* B
3. That caufesand perfons formally Ecclefiaftical
are not the proper and immediar obje& of the Mag
ftrats power, but only improper and remote , an
the reafonisJ becausin theexecutionofChriftsla
given to the Church, the judicial cognition anddc
finitive judgment about thefe belongs not to the Mj
giftrat, but to the Miniftersoftheword 5 as for in
fiance? it is not theMagiftrats part to cognofce an
determine, who is to be received into the Church
and who not; this is proper to theMiniftersofth
Gofpel : and lb of other caufes and queftions of th
like nature. Obj. Then the Magiftrat, in protecting
countenancing and furthering of the Churches a<f
and fentences by the fword? muft be a blinde execui
crof them? Anf. This muft be faid out of envy an
malice $ for ( 1. ) theChurchistheexecuterofhc
own adls and fentences* and not the Magiftrat> wh
only puts to execution his owne lawes, that h
pleafed to enaft on her behalf. (2. ) It is know
to alii that we grant to the Magiftrat, (and to all*
the Church, ) a difcretive judgment to cognofce o
the Churches ads and fenrences ; and if he fincj
them not to bejuft, he hath a definitive judgmenj J
anentthe execution of his own Lawes made aboL
them; for the obligation that arifes from Churchy
afts and fentences on all in the Church,ro the obeyin,
and furthering of them, is only conditional > and nc
abfolutej thatis, none is bound to obey and ad vancj
th
I
( 1770
; theChurches fentences, except their mater be juft and
; righteous, which muftbe firii known befoie they
a1 finde themfelves obliged to this . But here the im-
! mediat obje& of the Magiftrats power anditsexer-
]' cife, about Church afts and fentences, is properly
4 civil , and not EccleGaftical, to wit, whether he
{ will cxecutt his owne law or not. Thefe things arc
I cafy and plaine , and if ambition and worldly inte-
j^refts had not determined many to thecontrare , there
would be bttiecontroverfie about them.
Obj: 8. The Magiftrats power and its exercife a*
; bout Church roacers and meetings , being mdepen.
' font on the Church; what he does in relation to
c^ Church concerns, deter mictions and fentences, he
may doe it antecedent to thefe , without the Church.
1 Anf. We deny the confequence to be univerfally
true : for fome of the Magiftrats fentences about
' Church maters and meetings doe neceffarly fuppone,
the Churches fentences and afts , for their objeft ;
|.?Jjis thefe of ordination , excommunication : aits of
"'regulation &c. muft neceffarly pafs , before the Ma-
^'l gittrajc can reach the perfons and things, to which
: .hey are applyed : for inftance, before the Magi-
! [hat can doe juftice to a Minifter in his maintenance ,
le muft tirft be ordained, & by it have right thereto,
fc4c>n theChurches aft of ordination; which multfirft
je known to the Magiftrat, and by him given as
:he ground or reafon of his fentence, for the Minifters
!egal right to enjoy and a(t the provided and allowed
naintenance ; andfoof many others. Wegsant,in
bme cafes and things , a power to the Magiftrat
(tbout Church maters and meetings , which he may
^fexercife, aiuecedencco the exercife of Church power;
(Ti M he in ay
(178.)'
he may, yea, nodoubc, he ought to command
Mimiters, when negligent , 10 thurwoikor duty,
withouta Church feiuence , yea contrare to it : but
to fay , that the exueife of his power , in many
things and cafes > is not necefiaxly iubfequenttothe
a&s and excrcile of Church power,is molt abfurd, &
abhorrent to all right reafon ; feing there are many
things that the Magiitrat ought to doe to and ior the
Church, rhatnccelTarlyfuppone, not only the being,
but the exercife of Church power, without which
the M'gsftrat cannot cioe ; how shall he punish con-
tumacious , heretical and excornmunicat perfones
till i hey befirft dealr with by the Church % conformc
to the rules of the word, and declared to be lush ,
&c. The reafon of the confequenceis weak \ for
all created power fuppones its objeit, and \w its
cxercile mutt be fubicquent and poftenour to it ;
whichis notinconfilient with the independency of
any power on another ; as is to be fetn in the inftance
ot the marital power, and others; thepowerof the
Magiftrat about it prefupponeth the conjugal relati
on, & its a£b, before it can put the laws inexecution,
anentit, in application to the perfones under that
relation. The defigne ofthis ohje&ion is obvious
which is , to evert all Church Government , the
neceffity and ufe of it : but before it have its full in-
tended force > it muft firftbe proven, thatChurch
power ahd its afts are competent to the Magiftrat,
and may be done by him j as that he may ordaine>
depofe> receive into, andcaft out of the Church,
preach the word , difpenfe all ordinances , &c
whichno Eraflian hath yet done ; for if chefe be in-
competent to the Magiftrat; and are to be done by1
others, the former conclusion will hold. Cm
(l79-)
Conduf. Haveing thus , w:chaIIChrifcian ingen-
' pity and plainnefs in the words of truth & fobernes ,
dncovered our hearts anenr rhejforegoehg particu-
, hrs ; we expeftthat much charity and juftice from all,
J (even our Antagonifts) thu before they give out
; their cenfurs, they will ferioufly confider, what is
f fa;d , and intheballances of Scripture and true rea-
son j impartially ponderat the reafonsand grounds of
' our judgment and praftice: leafc , in ftead of righting
jjissgaiaftusj they happily be found to fight againft
( God ; for feing the grounds, on which we build,
$ are of common obligation on all Chriftians , and
£Wn which, our Chriftian profeflion leans; none can
refufeourconclufions , but they muft either contra-
jj()dift and shake the foundations of the faid profeflion f
Jjor els shew their inconfeq jence , and inconfiftancy
l.'withthef : we have not intiRedon . nor much male
JjUfeof particular places of Scripture , nor wrangled
c|(asmany in their debaitsdoe) about thefeofeand
^application of chefe , nor laid the ftrefs ofourargu-
ltjt ments from antiquity on citations from particular
-Mathers and hiftonans; but on the (eries and threed of
1 [th^fe ancient records • to which we appeal, anent the
waters debated in the preceeding difcourfe : as any,
j:hat deals candidly and impartially , will , on trial,
,ind. The iflueofouradverfaries arguments, inthe
jiefence of the ^Anthbefcs , refol ving in thefe three ,
he imperfefton of the Scriptures ; the manifeft and
riolent perverting and wreftingofthem ; the pro-
1'eflcdani opencontradi&ingof their authority, by
wju Leviathan , and others more grofs , ( if groffer
jean be) do fuffciently declare, what the tenden-
cy °f ttie contrarc opinion is , and what we may
M 2 cxpeft,
Ccfr
^
(180.)
cxpeft 9 will be the refulc of the fame, if things
continue, for fome time, in their prefent channel.
AliPioteftants, before thefedebats entered on the
field, efteernedth^ perfection of the Scriptures, the
ehlerand principal foundation of the reformed pro-
teftant Religion; and builded thereof their doftrins,
id oppoficion to popery; which, the patrones of
prelacy doe now ftrickac, and labour to shake, ici
denying cheirfufficiency or perfe&ion, in maters of
obedience or practice; whereby they break the force
of all theatguments,that theProtoftants ufedagainlt
the Papifts , for the fulnefs and perfedion of the holy
Scriptures: and the truth is,prelacy cannot be mainta-
ined without this dlertion ; as is to be feen in the
raofi eminent affertots of it : for it we hold the Scrip-
tures to be a perfect and full rule of faith and man-
ners, and not to be receded from , in maters of
doft rine, worship and Government* the prelacy con-
troverted, having fo little evidence from them, it
cannot ftand , and if this fufficient regulation of s the
Scriptursberefufed , what a wide door is opened to
humane inventions ; and what may not men bring
in acWt , to the corrupting and polluting of all the
Churches concerns i We grant , the admitting of the
Scriptures, for a paiic of the Churches Canon and
rule , feems to draw a barr on much of the Romish
trash, (which ?•; condemned thereby; ; but does
not the p elates boldnefs, in violenting andforceing
of them , in anfwering of our arguments , and main-
tain^ of their concepts, remove this barr, andlay
the door open , for whac they will? for ho%bek the
Scripture fpeaks,againft the worshiping of Creatures,
Images, angels aud'Men, andchargeduhefepra-
flgl.)
ftifes with idolatry: yet Tbomdikc, andmoftofthe
now prelacical gang , purge the popish ma(Te> the
worshiping of the hoft, of the virgine Mary, Ima-
ges& Saints, from idolatry andfupeitlition. How
impudently bold are the EraflUnst in wrefling the
,Scnpturei>, ufed by thrir aotagonifts ; in which they
are not inferior to the Socinians , and the moll noted
jhereticks of the Church; but we mult fay , withlefTe
ihewofreafon ; as will be evident to any, that will
'compare them together in their comments. What fe-
xurity can the Church promife her felf from thefe
imens principles and wayes , who build their con-
cluGons, on fuch foundations, which if once ad-
nc micted overturns all/ But alas! when toenlarge the
p-|jMagiftrats power, and to give fupport to their wild
n- iflertions about it, the divine authority and doftnns
of the Holy Scriptures are boldly contradicted ; and
■jail Religion ultirnady refolved into theMag^ftracs
ijConfcience and Lawes; as Hobs Leviathan* Parker Sc
mothers , undertake to make out , agamft thefounda-
ctions &fuperftructurs of our Religion , are they not
jthus pulled done to uphold the Magiftrat>& to extend
fcnimmenfe power in him? but? we hope, to the ex-
ternal shame , confufion and mine of thecaufefor
i which they contend. How much doe wefindethac
&\?f lying of Paulst Timothy 13. verified in thefe men>
wlmil men and feducers Jhall wax worfe and worfe , deccL
mvingand being deceived ( but our confidence is ? that
leir folly being made manefe ft to all men , they flnallpw
ij teed nojurther: for th,: cauie which they oppofe is
hef[Gods, and that which he muft ownc and plead;
3Mjfeing the Royal prerogative of his abibluce Soverai-
■jgnity and Supremacy, are incrinched upon, and
M 3 ftruck
f>8M
ftruck at , by his Creatures , t he wor mes of the earth
who, contrare to their indebted andprofVO fub
je&ton to him, afliult h's throin, andinvajetht
regalities of h's high and glorious Crowne> which he
will uphold. OH that all, ingidged in this warra
gamft the Lord and his anointed > would read and
confider the Second Pfatme , and yet hearken to what
is there foretold anent rheiiTue ofit, which will be
fad aod heavy to them , that obftumly fetthemfelve
in oppofiuon to Chrift and his Kmgdome. Let none
that fide with Chrift in this quarrel , beaffi3yedot
ashamed, t& appear in its defence agimlt all forts of
opponenrs ; for as we hive the full light and eviden-
ce of the Word of God, tojuihfy its ri^hteoufnefs ,
from the reproaches of men: So wehavetherigh
teous a id Almighty God tn take our part , who, on
the account of his juliice and Supreim dominion ,
is iogadged to owne them , that owne h'm in this
caufe,* In contending for thefe, we contend not for
honours , dignities and the richts of th'S world ;
butonlyforthe Lawes.Od mnces, and Se-vanrs of
Chrilt Jelus, and thir obed*ence and fubje&ion to
him in them , that he req lires of all in his word ; yea
for the Royal d'gmties , & fupereminent prerogatives
of his righteous and glorious Crowne , which the Fa-
ther huh placed on ins head; giving him a name a-
bove all names , that , in the name of this JESUS,
all knees should bow > yea shall bow. Who needs to
beafTrayed>wh©owne fnch a King, and have hi n on
theirlide, whom his own perfone overcame^ Tri-
umphed over all his enemies;& yet agiine will doe fa,
jntheperfonesofh's weak, contemned 3ndperfecured
fervanrs & people. TheLord build up the walh of J%
rofalem, & make her a peacable habitation. Amen.
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